What is sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and its use?

What is sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and its use?

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Carboxymethyl Cellulose, referred to as CMC) is a chemical modified cellulose derivatives, with a variety of excellent performance, widely used in many industries. This article will analyze the definition, chemical structure and main uses of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in detail.

1. Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Definition and Chemical Structure

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a derivative of cellulose, which is prepared by introducing carboxymethyl groups into the molecular chain of cellulose. Cellulose is a kind of polysaccharide, which widely exists in plant cell walls. The preparation process of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose usually includes alkalization, etherification and neutralization. Its chemical structure makes sodium carboxymethyl cellulose have good water solubility and thickening properties, and show different performance characteristics under different pH conditions.

2. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE SODIUM

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a white or light yellow powder with high viscosity and water solubility. In its molecular structure, the hydroxyl group of cellulose is replaced by carboxymethyl group, which gives it unique physical and chemical properties. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is dissolved in water to form a high viscosity solution. This solution has good thixotropy and stability, and can maintain its performance under different temperature and pH conditions.

3. carboxymethyl cellulose sodium main use

1. application in petroleum industry Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is widely used as a thickener and stabilizer in the petroleum industry. In drilling fluids, sodium carboxymethylcellulose is capable of forming a water-based fluid of high viscosity, effectively carrying drill cuttings and preventing borehole wall collapse. It can also improve the shear resistance of the drilling fluid and extend the service life of the drilling fluid.

2. application in the construction industry In the construction industry, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is often used to formulate tile adhesives and mortars. Its thickening and bonding properties can improve the viscosity and slip resistance of the adhesive, thus ensuring the construction quality and durability of tiles and mortar. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also used to prepare fireproof coatings and waterproof mortar, which has good water resistance and fire resistance.

3. application in food industry Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier in the food industry. For example, in ice cream and dairy products, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose can improve the consistency and stability of the product and extend the shelf life. It is also used in the preparation of beverages and baked goods, capable of improving the taste and texture of products.

4. Applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, sodium carboxymethylcellulose is used as a binder, disintegrant and coating material for tablets and capsules. It can improve the disintegration speed and solubility of the drug, thereby improving the absorption effect of the drug. In cosmetics, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is used to prepare lotions, creams and shampoos, which can increase the viscosity and stability of the product.

4. sodium carboxymethyl cellulose advantage and environmental protection

As a natural polymer material, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose has the advantages of wide source, biodegradability and environmental friendliness. Compared with traditional synthetic thickeners, the production process of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is more environmentally friendly, and its derivatives can be degraded by microorganisms in the natural environment, and will not cause environmental pollution. Therefore, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose has been more and more widely used in many industries.

5. summary

Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium is a kind of excellent cellulose derivatives, which has a wide range of applications. Its thickening, cohesiveness and stability make it play an important role in petroleum, construction, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. With the increasing attention to environmental protection and sustainable development, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, as a green material, will occupy a more important position in future applications.