Karboksümetüültselluloos

Karboksümetüültselluloos, often abbreviated as CMC, is a cellulose derivative and a soluble fiber. It is produced by treating cellulose from wood pulp or cotton linters with alkali and then with chloroacetic acid. The result is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder that is readily soluble in water, forming a viscous solution. CMC is a widely used additive in numerous industries due to its versatile properties, primarily its thickening, stabilizing, and binding capabilities.

In the food industry, CMC is commonly employed as a food additive, identified by the E number E466. It functions as a thickener in products like ice cream, sauces, and dressings, preventing ice crystal formation and improving texture. It also acts as a stabilizer in beverages and dairy products, preventing separation and enhancing mouthfeel. In pharmaceuticals, CMC serves as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulations, aiding in the controlled release of active ingredients. It is also used in eye drops as a lubricant and in topical medications for its viscosity-enhancing properties.

Beyond food and pharmaceuticals, CMC finds applications in the paper industry as a surface sizing agent to improve printability and strength. In textiles, it is used as a warp sizing agent to strengthen yarn and reduce breakage during weaving. It is also a component in detergents, acting as a soil-suspending agent to prevent dirt from redepositing onto fabrics. The diverse applications of carboxymethylcellulose stem from its ability to modify rheological properties and form stable dispersions and emulsions.

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