CMC High Viscosity

What are the differences in application depending on the viscosity of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose?

The main differences in viscosity of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose lie in its solution flowability, thickening ability, and applicable scenarios. High viscosity is like a "thick porridge" and is suitable for thickening, while low viscosity is like a "thin soup" and is suitable for dispersion.

🧪 What are the differences in physical properties?

-Flowability: High-viscosity solutions flow slowly and have high resistance, while low-viscosity solutions flow quickly and have good dispersibility.
-Stability: High-viscosity solutions form dense colloids with strong suspension stability; low-viscosity solutions react quickly and dissolve easily.
-Molecular structure: High-viscosity solutions typically have longer molecular chains, while low-viscosity solutions have shorter molecular chains, affecting film-forming properties and adsorption capacity.

🏭 Where are they specifically used?

-High viscosity (>1000 mPa·s): Commonly used in coatings, oil drilling mud, and building putty, requiring strong thickening and water retention.
-Medium viscosity (300~1000 mPa·s): Suitable for daily chemical products such as toothpaste and shampoo, providing suspension and stabilization.
-Low viscosity (<300 mPa·s): Primarily used in pharmaceutical tablet bonding, paper sizing, and beverage stabilization, requiring rapid dissolution and penetration.
 

What is the common viscosity range (CPS) for CMC?

The viscosity of CMC is affected by factors such as raw material structure, degree of substitution (DS), concentration, and molecular weight. The following are common viscosity grades available on the market:

Viscosity Grade Typical Viscosity Range (CPS) Concentration Conditions
Low Viscosity Type: 20–200 CPS 1% aqueous solution, 25°C
Medium Viscosity Type: 300–800 CPS 1% aqueous solution, 25°C
High Viscosity Type: 1000–3000 CPS 1% aqueous solution, 25°C
Ultra-High Viscosity Type: ≥4000 CPS 1% aqueous solution, 25°C
 

Note: Different manufacturers may use slightly different test concentrations and temperatures when measuring viscosity, so the viscosity range cannot be generalized and should be referred to the product technical parameter table.
 

What factors affect the actual viscosity of CMC?

The viscosity of thickener sodium carboxymethyl cellulose powder is not a fixed value; it fluctuates due to environmental changes and usage. The main influencing factors include:
 

1. Concentration: Higher concentrations enhance intermolecular entanglement and hydration of thickener sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, leading to increased viscosity.
2. Temperature: As temperature rises, water molecule movement intensifies, decreasing system viscosity.
3. pH Value: CMC is an anionic polymeric electrolyte, sensitive to acids and bases. Under extremely acidic or alkaline conditions, its molecular structure becomes unstable, potentially causing a decrease in viscosity or even failure.
4. Shear Rate: Under shear stress (e.g., agitation, pumping), CMC exhibits pseudoplastic fluid characteristics: higher shear rates result in lower viscosity.
 

Which industries are suitable for different viscosity grades of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose additive?

✅Low Viscosity Type
Used as a beverage stabilizer, food emulsifier, anti-settling agent in coatings, tablet adhesive, and quick-dissolving granule forming agent.

✅Medium Viscosity Type
Used as a suspending and thickening agent in daily chemical products, a dispersing aid in ceramic slurry systems, and a stabilizer in laundry detergents and cleaning agents.

✅High Viscosity Type
Used as a main thickening component in building putty and adhesives, and a system stabilizer in pesticide suspension concentrates.

✅Ultra-High Viscosity Type
Used as a high-viscosity adhesive base material, a gel-forming agent, and a special pharmaceutical gel carrier.