Carboxymethyl cellulose LV

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a chemically modified cellulose derivative obtained by reacting cellulose (the main component of plant cell walls) with chloroacetic acid under alkaline conditions. KimaCell®Carboxymethyl cellulose is widely used in many industries, especially in food, medicine, cosmetics and industrial fields.

1. Chemical structure and properties

CMC LV contains carboxymethyl (-CH₂COOH) groups in its molecular structure, which makes it highly hydrophilic and can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. This structure gives it many unique physical and chemical properties, such as good solubility, thickening, stability and gel properties. Its chemical formula is C6H7O2(OH)2CH2COOH, which means that part or all of the hydroxyl groups in the cellulose molecule are replaced by carboxymethyl groups.

2. Physical properties

Solubility: Carboxymethyl cellulose has good solubility in water and can form a viscous colloidal solution after dissolution, which mainly depends on its molecular weight and degree of substitution (that is, how many carboxymethyl groups replace the hydroxyl groups in the cellulose molecule).

Viscosity: The viscosity of its solution is related to its molecular weight, concentration and solubility, so different viscosities can be adjusted as needed.

Stability: Due to its hydrophilicity, carboxymethyl cellulose is stable in aqueous solution and has a certain tolerance to acid and alkali. Its solution can also withstand temperature changes within a certain range and has good thermal stability.

3. Synthesis method

The synthesis of carboxymethyl cellulose is usually achieved by the following methods:

Esterification reaction: By reacting chloroacetic acid with cellulose under alkaline conditions, the carboxyl group of chloroacetic acid and the hydroxyl group of cellulose undergo esterification reaction to form carboxymethyl cellulose.

Substitution degree adjustment: By controlling the reaction time, temperature and concentration of chloroacetic acid, the substitution degree of the final product (that is, how many carboxymethyl groups are in each glucose unit) can be adjusted.

4. Application field

The application of carboxymethyl cellulose is very wide, involving multiple industries, mainly including the following:

4.1 Food industry

In the food industry, carboxymethyl cellulose is widely used as a thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer and gelling agent. For example:

Jelly and candy: used to increase the taste and texture of the product.

Ice cream: Increase the viscosity and stability of ice cream and prevent the formation of ice crystals.

Low-fat food: As a thickener to replace fat and reduce the fat content in food.

4.2 Pharmaceutical industry

In the pharmaceutical field, carboxymethyl cellulose is used to prepare drug sustained-release agents, gels, eye drops and drug carriers. For example:

Oral sustained-release preparations: Prolong the efficacy of drugs by controlling the rate of drug release.

Ophthalmic drugs: Due to its good hydrophilicity and adhesion, it is often used as an ingredient in eye drops.

Topical ointments and gels: Increase the viscosity and ductility of the product for easy application.

4.3 Cosmetics industry

In cosmetics, carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier, for example:

Facial cleansers and creams: Increase the viscosity and stability of the product, making the product easier to apply.

Hair conditioners and hair masks: Improve hair texture and enhance moisturizing effects.

4.4 Industrial Applications

In the industrial field, carboxymethyl cellulose is used in many different applications, such as:

Paper production: as a coating material for paper to improve the strength and smoothness of paper.

Textile industry: as a fabric treatment agent to improve the dyeing effect and softness of fabrics.

Oil extraction: as a thickener for drilling fluids to help improve the performance of drilling fluids.

4.5 Environmental protection field

Due to its solubility and biodegradability, carboxymethyl cellulose is also used in the environmental protection field. For example:

Water treatment: as a flocculant to remove suspended matter and pollutants from water.

Soil improvement: by increasing the water retention capacity of the soil, it improves the soil structure.

5. Safety and environmental impact

Carboxymethyl cellulose is considered a safe chemical and is generally classified as a low toxic substance. Its use in food, medicine and cosmetics meets strict safety standards. Due to its natural source (cellulose) and biodegradability, carboxymethyl cellulose has a relatively small impact on the environment.

6. Market Trends and Development

With the increasing demand for natural and environmentally friendly materials, KimaCell®carboxymethyl cellulose, as a green and degradable thickener, has broad application prospects in multiple industries in the future. In recent years, researchers have also been studying how to further improve its functionality, such as improving its high temperature resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and precise application in specific fields.

As an important cellulose derivative, carboxymethyl cellulose has become a key raw material in multiple industries due to its excellent physical and chemical properties and wide application fields. With the development of science and technology, it is expected that its application in the future will be more diversified, bringing more convenience to people's production and life.