Carboxymethyl Cellulose

CMC comes in a wide variety of viscosities:
High - cotton linter - 1,500 - 6,000 cps.
Medium - wood pulp - 100 - 3,000 cps.
Low - aging the shredded alkali cellulose and using chemical oxidants. 25-200 cps.
Particle Size - Regular, Coarse and Fine. Use level 1-2%.
Sodium Content % - 7-12%. (from Sodium Hydroxide used in the process).
Degree of Substitution: the higher the DS, the more readily CMC dissolves.

Dispersion Methods: CMC particles have a tendency to lump, when first added to water. When proper technique is used, a good dispersion is obtained and CMC goes into solution rapidly. To prepare lump free, clear solutions, a variety of methods can be used:
1. Add CMC to the vortex of vigorously agitated water. The rate of addition must be slow enough to permit the particles to separate and their surfaces to become wet.
2. Prior to addition of water, wet the powder with a water-miscible liquid such as alcohol or glycol that will not cause the CMC to swell. 3:1 ratio.
3. Dry blend the CMC with any dry materials in the formula such as sugar. 5:1 ratio.