Product Name
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, 50-100 mPa.s, M.W. 90000
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Synonyms
Sodium Cellulose Glycolate
InChI Key
DPXJVFZANSGRMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES
CC(=O)O.C(C(C(C(C(C=O)O)O)O)O)O.Na
Product Introduction
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC-Na) is an anionic water-soluble polymer derived from natural cellulose. The introduction of carboxymethyl groups improves the water solubility of cellulose and provides functional properties including viscosity enhancement, stabilization, suspension, and film formation.
CMC-Na is available in different viscosity grades and degrees of substitution, allowing researchers to select suitable polymer characteristics for specific applications. Commercial grades include low, medium, and high-viscosity materials.
Common functions include:
- Thickening agent
- Binder
- Stabilizer
- Suspending agent
- Film-forming polymer
- Rheology modifier
- Protective colloid
Mechanism / Principle
The functional behavior of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose mainly originates from its cellulose backbone and negatively charged carboxymethyl groups.
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Water-soluble polymer behavior
Carboxymethyl substitution enables cellulose derivatives to disperse and dissolve in water, forming viscous polymer solutions.
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Viscosity enhancement
Hydrated polymer chains increase solution viscosity and improve formulation stability.
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Colloidal stabilization
CMC-Na can stabilize suspended particles and prevent aggregation in aqueous systems.
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Film formation
Polymer chains can form flexible films after drying, supporting coating and surface-treatment applications.
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Binding interaction
Its polymer structure enables adhesion and binding in pharmaceutical, ceramic, and material systems.
Key Research Applications
1. Pharmaceutical Formulations
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is widely investigated as a pharmaceutical polymer due to its thickening, stabilizing, and binding properties.
Applications include:
- Tablet binders
- Suspension stabilizers
- Controlled-release formulations
- Hydrogel-based drug delivery systems
- Pharmaceutical coating materials
2. Dental Materials
CMC-Na can be investigated in dental and oral-care material systems due to its water retention, viscosity control, and film-forming properties.
Potential applications include:
- Oral-care formulations
- Dental gel systems
- Dental material additives
- Viscosity modification of dental formulations
- Functional polymer components in oral-care products
3. Biomedical & Hydrogel Materials
Due to its hydrophilic polymer structure and biocompatible characteristics, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is relevant to biomedical polymer research.
Applications include:
- Hydrogel preparation
- Wound-care materials
- Biomedical polymer blends
- Tissue-engineering related polymer systems
4. Battery & Functional Materials
CMC-Na is used as a functional binder and polymer additive in advanced material research.
Applications include:
- Battery electrode binders
- Silicon-based anode materials
- Sodium-ion battery materials
- Functional composite materials
Advantages
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Excellent water dispersibility for aqueous polymer systems.
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Adjustable viscosity grades for different formulation requirements.
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Strong thickening and stabilization ability in aqueous systems.
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Good film-forming properties for coatings and polymer applications.
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Renewable cellulose-derived polymer suitable for functional-material research.
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Broad compatibility with pharmaceutical, dental, biomedical, and industrial material systems.
Storage & Handling
- Store in a tightly closed container.
- Keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment.
- Protect from moisture because Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is hygroscopic.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity.
- Handle according to laboratory safety procedures and applicable SDS recommendations.
Recommended storage conditions: cool and dry place, protected from moisture.
Research Areas
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Dental Materials – Oral-care polymer systems, dental gels, and viscosity-controlled formulations.
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Pharmaceutical Formulations – Tablet binders, suspension systems, and controlled-release materials.
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Biomedical Materials – Hydrogels, wound-care polymers, and biomedical composites.
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Battery Materials – Electrode binders and advanced energy-storage materials.
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Polymer Materials – Functional polymer blends and water-soluble polymer systems.
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Coatings & Adhesives – Film-forming polymers and rheology modifiers.
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Nanomaterials – Polymer stabilization and nanoparticle dispersion systems.
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Functional Materials – Bio-based polymer materials and composite development.
Q1. What is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose?
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC-Na) is a water-soluble cellulose derivative used as a functional polymer in formulation and material research.
Q2. What is the CAS number of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose?
The CAS number is 9004-32-4.
Q3. Is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose water soluble?
Yes. The introduction of carboxymethyl groups allows cellulose derivatives to disperse and dissolve in water.
Q4. What are the main properties of CMC-Na?
Main properties include thickening, stabilization, binding, suspension, and film formation.
Q5. What industries use Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose?
Applications include pharmaceutical, dental materials, biomedical materials, coatings, adhesives, food, and energy-storage materials.
Q6. Can CMC-Na be used in dental materials?
Yes. It can be investigated as a functional polymer additive for dental and oral-care formulations.
Q7. What determines the performance of CMC-Na?
Performance depends mainly on viscosity grade, molecular weight, and degree of substitution.
Q8. What is the physical form of CMC-Na?
It is generally supplied as a white to light yellow powder or crystalline solid.
Q9. Can Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose be used in battery research?
Yes. CMC-Na is investigated as a polymer binder in electrode-material systems.
Q10. How should CMC-Na be stored?
Store sealed in a dry environment and protect from moisture because it absorbs water from the atmosphere.