Carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC or cellulose gum is a white powder that is used today in both edible and industrial grades.

Carboxymethyl cellulose is a cellulose derivative in which some hydroxyl groups (-OH) are replaced by carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COOH). This material is an anionic polymer.

This material has features that make it very suitable for use in various applications. Here are some of these features:

• It dissolves well in water.
• It is biologically safe. That is why it is used in many cosmetic, health and food industries.
• It has emulsifying and thickening properties. This substance is widely used in changing the viscosity of liquids, thickening and making glue.

The above properties make this material widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, adhesive, resin, paper, food and ceramic tile industries.

Types of carboxymethyl cellulose

Carboxymethyl cellulose does not have specific types and the only classification that is usually used is the packaging based on its grade:

Oral carboxymethyl cellulose

This grade of carboxymethyl cellulose is used in the food, pharmaceutical and health industries and has a higher price than the industrial grade.

Industrial carboxymethyl cellulose

This grade used carboxymethyl cellulose for use in industries such as paper that do not have a special relationship with the body of a living organism.

Application of carboxymethyl cellulose

As mentioned, carboxymethyl cellulose is used in many applications due to its properties. In the following, we will discuss some of these applications.

Application of carboxymethyl cellulose in food industry

Edible carboxymethyl cellulose is also known as cellulose gum. Cellulose used for the synthesis of this substance is usually used from cotton or wood pulp.

This material is mainly added as an additive to food. It is used for the resistance of ice cream against melting, the production of sweets, cookies, various types of juice and drinks, dairy products, etc. Carboxymethyl cellulose is also used to protect and stabilize proteins.

Application of carboxymethyl cellulose in detergents

Carboxymethyl cellulose can cause suspension of pus and dirt. Using it in detergents thickens the emulsion of detergents and suspends pus and fats upon entering the taropod. Apart from these, this material does not harm the skin and can be used in detergents without any risk.

Application of carboxymethyl cellulose in paper

This material increases the resistance of paper against wear, uniformity of the surface, reduces brittleness and increases the elasticity and hardness of paper. An adhesive layer is formed on the surface, which increases the strength and flexibility of the surface against folding.

Application of carboxymethyl cellulose in glue

Due to creating a thin layer on the surface and having a high surface tension, this material is used as a good adhesive for wall paper adhesive, leather adhesive, paper pulp adhesive, etc.

Application of carboxymethyl cellulose in paint and resin

This material is used as a viscosity control agent in emulsion paints and has a great effect on the ease of movement of the brush. Also, in soluble rust, this material is used to fill the pores of surfaces that have many pores.

Application of carboxymethyl cellulose in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and health industries

This material is often used in the pharmaceutical and health industries because it is not dangerous for the body. Its main use is to suspend particles, increase concentration and lubricant.

Above are some of the major uses of carboxymethyl cellulose, but obviously, this is not all the uses of this material and this material is used in other industries such as textiles, ceramic tiles, batteries, oil wells, welding, leather, carpets and carpets, mining. , poisons and construction are also used, but unfortunately, the review of all these applications is beyond the scope of this article.