Carboxymethylcellulose

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a chemically modified cellulose ether in which some of the cellulose’s hydroxyl groups have been replaced by carboxymethyl groups; it is usually found in the form of the sodium salt. This makes the polymer highly soluble in water and enables it to form viscous, colloidal solutions with pronounced thickening, stabilising and film-forming properties.

CMC typically appears as a white to pale yellowish powder and is available in different viscosity grades depending on its degree of substitution and molecular weight. In foodstuffs (E 466) as well as in pharmaceutical and technical applications, CMC improves consistency, suspension stability and water-holding capacity. It also serves as a binding agent and dispersing aid.

For amixon® powder mixers, CMC is particularly relevant when it is used as a functional powder or as a component of a binding liquid. Homogeneous distribution within the mixture is crucial to ensuring that viscosity, swelling behaviour and granule strength are consistent in the end product.