carboxyméthylcellulose

Carboxymethylcellulose, often abbreviated as CMC, is a cellulose derivative that is water-soluble. It is produced by chemically modifying cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. The modification involves introducing carboxymethyl groups into the cellulose structure. This process results in a versatile compound with a range of useful properties.

CMC is commonly used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and binder in various industries. In the food industry, it is designated by E number E466 and is found in products such as ice cream, sauces, baked goods, and beverages to improve texture and prevent ingredient separation. It is also utilized in pharmaceuticals as a disintegrant in tablets and a viscosity modifier in liquid medications. The paper industry employs CMC as a surface sizing agent to enhance paper strength and printability. In textiles, it acts as a warp sizing agent. CMC is also a component in toothpaste, cosmetics, and drilling fluids. Its safety is generally recognized, and it is approved for use in many applications worldwide. The degree of substitution, which refers to the average number of carboxymethyl groups per anhydroglucose unit, influences the properties of CMC, such as its solubility and viscosity.