Comprehensive CMC guide.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble polymer produced from the chemical reaction of cellulose with monochloroacetic acid. As one of the most widely used cellulose derivatives, CMC has unique properties including water solubility, viscosity generation, thermal stability, and environmental compatibility.
In the ceramic industry, CMC is used as a multifunctional additive. Main applications include: glaze viscosity control, improved thixotropic properties, enhanced suspension stability, improved glaze application on body, and improved printing properties on glaze. Medium to high viscosity grades are generally recommended for the ceramic industry.
Beyond the ceramic industry, CMC has extensive applications in other industries: welding electrode (coating binder), drilling (drilling fluids), detergent (thickener and stabilizer), and pharmaceutical (drug carrier and thickener). Each industry requires a specific CMC grade with an appropriate viscosity.
What is the difference between CMC grades?
CMC grades differ by viscosity and target application. Higher viscosity means a thicker solution, and grade selection follows the customer's industry and process conditions.