Application of CMC in environmentally friendly textiles

With the improvement of environmental awareness, the textile industry has an increasingly urgent need for sustainable development. Cellulose ether compounds, especially carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), have become one of the important additives in the field of environmentally friendly textiles due to their unique physical and chemical properties and biodegradability.

1. Basic characteristics of CMC

CMC is an anionic water-soluble polymer compound obtained by chemical modification of natural cellulose. Its main characteristics include the following:

Environmental protection: CMC is derived from natural cellulose, is completely biodegradable, and is environmentally friendly.

Excellent film-forming property: CMC can form a stable protective film on the fiber surface, improving the wrinkle and anti-fouling ability of the fabric.

Good thickening and suspension properties: CMC can increase the viscosity of the aqueous solution to ensure that the additive is evenly coated on the surface of the textile.

High hygroscopicity: The carboxyl group in its molecular structure can absorb and retain moisture, thereby improving the comfort of the textile.

2. Specific application of CMC in environmentally friendly textiles

Dyeing and printing auxiliaries for textiles

In the dyeing and printing process, CMC can be used as a thickener and stabilizer. Through its good adhesion, CMC can ensure that the dye is evenly distributed on the fiber surface and reduce the waste of dye. In addition, the presence of CMC can also reduce the demand for chemical auxiliaries in the traditional dyeing and printing process, thereby reducing the emission of pollutants.

Fabric finishing agent

CMC exhibits excellent film-forming properties in fabric finishing and can be used as an anti-wrinkle, anti-fouling, and anti-static finishing agent. CMC film not only has good transparency and flexibility, but also improves the mechanical properties of textiles. In addition, CMC film is non-irritating to the skin and is suitable for the treatment of underwear.

Green alternatives to textile auxiliaries

In traditional textile processing, many auxiliaries contain non-degradable or toxic ingredients. CMC, as a green material from natural sources, can replace some chemical auxiliaries. For example, in the sizing process, CMC can replace traditional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to reduce the cost of wastewater treatment and environmental pollution.

Functional textile development

The molecular structure of CMC can be chemically modified to introduce different functional groups, thereby giving textiles special properties, such as antibacterial, UV protection or moisture absorption and perspiration properties. This makes it an important material for the research and development of environmentally friendly functional textiles.

3. Advantages of CMC in environmentally friendly textiles

Reduce pollution

Compared with traditional chemical additives, CMC has lower energy consumption in the production process and can be naturally degraded after use, without causing secondary pollution to soil and water.

Reduce costs

Although the initial modification cost of natural cellulose is high, the high efficiency and biodegradability of CMC make it more economical in the long run, especially under the promotion of strict environmental regulations.

Improve the quality of textiles

By using CMC, the color brightness, touch and durability of textiles can be improved to meet consumers' demand for high-quality products.

Support sustainable development

CMC is in line with the concept of recycling renewable resources, which is consistent with the direction of the textile industry's move towards the goal of "zero emissions", and provides technical support for promoting sustainable development.

4. Future prospects

With the advancement of technology and changes in market demand, there is still a lot of room for the application potential of CMC in environmentally friendly textiles. For example, nanotechnology can be used to further enhance the functionality of CMC, or smart textiles based on CMC can be developed. In addition, the composite use of CMC and other natural polymer materials is also expected to give textiles more diverse functions.

As an environmentally friendly additive, the wide application of CMC in textiles can not only promote the development of green textiles, but also reduce the negative impact on the environment, providing strong support for the sustainable transformation of the textile industry.