Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) are both derivatives of cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. These compounds have applications in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and more.
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC):
1.Chemical structure:
NaCMC is extracted from cellulose through a chemical modification process. Carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COOH) are introduced into the cellulose structure, and sodium ions are associated with these groups.
The sodium salt of CMC imparts water solubility to the polymer.
2. Solubility:
NaCMC is water-soluble and forms a viscous solution. The presence of sodium ions enhances its solubility in water compared to unmodified cellulose.
3. Features and functions:
Acts as a thickener, stabilizer and water retaining agent in a variety of applications.
Exhibits pseudoplastic or shear-thinning behavior, meaning that its viscosity decreases under shear stress.
4. Application:
Food Industry: Used as a thickening agent in food products such as sauces, ice cream and baked goods.
Pharmaceutical: Usedin formulations for its binding and viscosity-enhancing properties.
Oil drilling: used to control viscosity and water loss in drilling fluids.
5. Production:
Synthesized by the reaction of cellulose with sodium hydroxide and monochloroacetic acid.
Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC):
1.Chemical structure:
CMC in a broad sense refers to the carboxymethylated form of cellulose. It may or may not berelated to sodium ions.
Carboxymethyl groups are introduced into the cellulose backbone.
2. Solubility:
CMC can exist in many forms, including sodium salt (NaCMC) and other salts such as calcium CMC (CaCMC).
CMC sodium is the most common water-soluble form, but depending on the application, CMC can also be modified to be less soluble in water.
3. Features and functions:
Similar to NaCMC, CMC is valued for its thickening, stabilizing, and water-retaining properties.
The choice of CMC type (sodium, calcium, etc.) depends on the desired properties of the final product.
4. Application:
Widely used in food industry, pharmaceutical, textile, ceramics and paper production.
Different formsof CMC can be selected based on the specific requirements of the application.
5. Production:
Carboxymethylation of cellulose may involve a variety of reaction conditions and reagents, leading to the formation of different types of CMC.
The main difference between sodium CMC and CMC is the presence of sodium ions. Sodium CMC specifically refers to the sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, which is highly water-soluble. CMC, on the other hand, is a broader term that covers various forms of carboxymethylated cellulose, including sodium and other salts, each with its own set of properties and applications. The choice between sodium CMC and CMC depends on the intended use and desired properties of the end product.
Post time: Jan-16-2024