Carboxymethyl cellulose is a cellulose derivative that consists of the cellulose backbone made up of glucopyranose monomers and their hydroxyl groups bound to carboxymethyl groups. It is added in food products as a viscosity modifier or thickener and emulsifier. It is also one of the most common viscous polymers used in artificial tears, and has shown to be effective in the treatment of aqueous tear-deficient dry eye symptoms and ocular surface staining.
Benefits of Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Enhanced stability
Carboxymethyl cellulose has good chemical stability and can exist stably under the action of acid, alkaline, oxidizing and other chemical substances, and is not prone to decomposition or discoloration.
Improved viscosity
Carboxymethyl cellulose is valued for its ability to modify the viscosity of solutions, making it an essential ingredient in a wide range of applications such as food products, pharmaceuticals, and personal care items.
Film-forming ability
Carboxymethyl cellulose has good Film-Forming Ability and can adhere to various solid surfaces to form a thin film, which plays a role in protection and decoration. Allowing it to be used in applications such as coatings, adhesives, and as a barrier layer for packaging materials.
Biocompatibility
Carboxymethyl cellulose has good biocompatibility, is non-toxic, harmless to the human body, and can be decomposed into carbon dioxide and water by organisms. It is a safe and reliable biological material.
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Carboxymethyl cellulose is an artificial substitute for tears. It is used as a lubricant for dry eyes. It is also used for the temporary relief of burning, irritation and/or discomfort due to dryness of eyes. Moreover, it is used to lubricate and re-wet soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses. It is also indicated to relieve dryness, irritation and discomfort that may be associated with lens wear.
Is Carboxymethyl Cellulose Safe for Consumption?
Carboxymethyl cellulose is a popular and commonly used food additive which improves the shelf life, look, and texture of several processed foods. Although it has been accepted as safe for human consumption, some possible side effects need to be taken into account such as allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Carboxymethyl cellulose is soluble in water at any temperature. Because of its highly hygroscopic nature, carboxymethyl cellulose hydrates rapidly. Rapid hydration may cause agglomeration and lump formation when the carboxymethyl cellulose powder is introduced into water.

It is water-soluble and used in the food industry, either alone, or in combination with other hydrocolloids as a thickening and stabilizing agent and to bind free water. Example applications include beverages, cheese, ice cream, sauces, baked goods and frozen desserts. It can also be used to improve mouthfeel in powdered beverages. It also finds use in applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industries, for example, carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a tablet binder and can be found in toothpaste and drilling muds.
They are processed in a highly swollen state or in dissolved form and are presiding polymers in various industrial applications, especially in cosmetics. In cosmetics formulation, it is the key component because of its unique properties. It may act as a binder, thickener, gelatinizers, stabilizer, humectants, dispersion, emulsifier and film formers as well as to improve viscosity of the products. Thus, used in most cosmetic products such as shampoo, foaming agent, face wash, facial masks, foundation, mascara, eye-liner, lip-liner, toothpaste for quality enhancement.
Why is Carboxymethyl Cellulose if Often Used in Suspensions?
Due to its high solubility and clarity of its solutions, carboxymethyl cellulose is commonly used in beverages and beverage dry mixes to provide rich mouthfeel. It is also used in acidified protein drinks to stabilize protein and prevent it from precipitating. Carboxymethyl cellulose is also added to syrup and sauce formulations to increase viscosity.
Food industry
Carboxymethyl cellulose is extensively used in the food industry as a food additive. It acts as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a wide range of products, including ice cream, sauces, dressings, and baked goods. Carboxymethyl cellulose enhances texture, improves shelf life, and ensures a consistent quality in food products.
Pharmaceutical industry
In pharmaceuticals, Carboxymethyl cellulose is utilized as a binder in tablet formulations, ensuring the cohesion and integrity of the tablet during manufacturing and handling. It is also used as a suspending agent in liquid medications and as a lubricant in eye drops.
Personal care products
Carboxymethyl cellulose finds applications in various personal care products, such as toothpaste, shampoos, and lotions. It acts as a thickening agent, enhancing the product's texture and stability.
Paper and pulp industry
In the paper and pulp industry, Carboxymethyl cellulose is added to the papermaking process to improve the paper's strength, smoothness, and printability. It also enhances the retention of fillers and dyes in the paper.
Textile industry
Carboxymethyl cellulose is used in the textile industry as a sizing agent to strengthen yarns and improve their weaving properties. It also acts as a thickener in textile printing processes.

Doubling the carboxymethyl cellulose concentration will increase the viscosity of the carboxymethyl cellulose by a factor of 6–10. With increasing temperature, the viscosity of the carboxymethyl cellulose solution decreases reversibly. Shear force is causing a reversible thinning effect. The thixotropic carboxymethyl cellulose solution builds back viscosity after shear is removed. Viscosity is also reduced by increasing salt concentrations as well as decreasing the pH. The maximum viscosity is present around a pH of 6.5–8.5.
What is the Maximum Temperature for Carboxymethyl Cellulose?
Carboxymethyl cellulose begins to degrade at temperatures above 200°C (392°F), with significant degradation occurring at higher temperatures. However, it's essential to consult the manufacturer's guidelines and consider the intended use of CMC in determining the maximum temperature for a particular application. Exceeding the recommended temperature limit can lead to changes in viscosity, loss of functionality, or even decomposition of the CMC, compromising the performance of the product.
Components of Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Carboxymethylcellulose is a cellulose derivative that consists of the cellulose backbone made up of glucopyranose monomers and their hydroxyl groups bound to carboxymethyl groups. It is added in food products as a viscosity modifier or thickener and emulsifier. Its ability to form stable solutions, control rheology, and improve product texture makes it an indispensable component in many formulations.
How is Carboxymethyl Cellulose Produced?
Raw material preparation
Add wood pulp or cellulose raw materials into the dissolving tank, add appropriate amounts of caustic alkali and lime for pretreatment. The pretreated raw materials are then sent to the caustic alkali dissolution tank.
Dissolve
In the caustic alkali dissolving tank, add appropriate amounts of sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide and heat to a certain temperature. Under high temperature and high pressure environment, cellulose and alkali solution are fully reacted to dissolve into cellulose alkali solution.
Formaldehyde reaction
Formaldehyde is added to the dissolving tank and reacts with the cellulose alkali solution. Formaldehyde reacts with hydroxyl (OH) and carboxyl (COOH) groups to form carboxymethyl cellulose.
Neutralization
Neutralize the generated carboxymethyl cellulose solution with sulfuric acid to adjust the pH value to an appropriate range. The adjusted carboxymethylcellulose solution is called carboxymethyl cellulose slurry.
Filtration
Use filtration equipment to filter impurities, fibers, etc. in the carboxymethyl cellulose slurry to obtain purer carboxymethyl cellulose slurry.
Concentration
Concentrate the filtered carboxymethyl cellulose slurry to make the concentration of the slurry meet product requirements.
Drying
The concentrated carboxymethyl cellulose slurry is dried, generally using methods such as spray drying or airflow drying to obtain carboxymethyl cellulose powder.
Fine processing
Carboxymethyl cellulose powder is screened, ground and processed to obtain carboxymethyl cellulose final products that meet product requirements.
How to Properly Store Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Temperature
Carboxymethyl cellulose should be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place where the temperature does not exceed 25°C.
Humidity
Carboxymethyl cellulose is sensitive to air humidity and easily absorbs moisture, so high humidity environments need to be avoided during storage.
Moisture-proof measures
During storage, moisture-proof measures should be taken. Carboxymethyl cellulose can be placed in a plastic bag with good sealing performance, and a certain amount of desiccant is added to the outside to prevent carboxymethyl cellulose from getting damp.
Protect from light
Carboxymethyl cellulose should be stored in a dark environment to avoid overexposure that may affect its quality.
Avoid vibration
Carboxymethyl cellulose is a fragile material and needs to be avoided from vibration or collision.
Avoid mixed storage with other chemicals
Carboxymethyl cellulose is susceptible to chemical contamination, so it is necessary to avoid mixed storage with other chemicals.
Avoid oxidation
Carboxymethyl cellulose is easily oxidized and contact with oxidants should be avoided.
Use period
Carboxymethyl cellulose should not be stored for too long. The recommended use period is 6 months.
Fire prevention measures
Carboxymethyl cellulose is a flammable substance and should be kept away from fire and heat sources. The storage location should be equipped with fire-fighting facilities.
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