natriumcarboxymethylcellulose

natriumcarboxymethylcellulose, often abbreviated as CMC or cellulose gum, is a derivative of cellulose. It is a anionic, water-soluble polymer. CMC is produced by chemically modifying cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. The process involves reacting cellulose with sodium chloroacetate in the presence of an alkali. This reaction introduces carboxymethyl groups onto the cellulose backbone, which confers water solubility and other desirable properties.

CMC is widely used in various industries due to its versatile properties. In the food industry, it functions as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It is commonly found in ice cream, sauces, baked goods, and beverages to improve texture and prevent ingredient separation. In pharmaceuticals, CMC is used as a binder, disintegrant, and suspending agent in tablets and liquid formulations. It also finds applications in personal care products such as toothpaste and lotions, where it acts as a thickener and stabilizer. Other industrial uses include applications in paper manufacturing, textiles, and drilling fluids. CMC is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies for its food and pharmaceutical applications. Its biodegradability also makes it an environmentally friendly option in many uses.