Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Supplier | Bulk Sodium CMC Manufacturer for Food & Pharma
描述
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Supplier
Looking for a reliable bulk CMC supplier? We supply high-purity sodium carboxymethyl cellulose for food, pharma and industrial applications worldwide.
What is Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)?
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble cellulose ether used as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. It is also known as sodium CMC or cellulose gum (E466).
A leading bulk CMC supplier and sodium CMC manufacturer providing high-quality CMC powder for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications worldwide.
- Multiple viscosity grades (low / medium / high)
- Food-grade (E466) & pharma-grade available
- Reliable global supply chain
- Technical support & application guidance
The basic information of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)
Carboxymethyl cellulose is produced by reacting alkali cellulose with sodium monochloroacetate (SMCA), introducing carboxymethyl (–CH₂COONa) groups along the cellulose backbone. This substitution breaks the tight hydrogen-bond network of native cellulose and makes the molecule fully dispersible in cold water.
Regulatory status: CMC is approved as a food additive under E466 in the EU, as GRAS (21 CFR §182.1745) by the FDA in the United States, and is listed in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) for pharmaceutical applications.
Specifications
CAS Number
9004-32-4
Sodium CMC
DS Range
0.65 – 1.20
Degree of substitution
Viscosity
50 – 3000 mPa·s
1–2% aqueous solution
pH Stability
4.0 – 11.0
Optimal range
Purity
≥ 99.5%
Na-CMC basis
Key Properties of Sodium CMC
Sodium CMC is an anionic, water-soluble polymer that hydrates in cold water to form a stable, pseudoplastic solution—meaning viscosity drops under shear (pumping, mixing) and recovers at rest, which is exactly the behavior most food and pharmaceutical processes need. It is odorless, tasteless, and physiologically inert, with a working pH range of 4.0–11.0 and a use temperature that extends comfortably through UHT and pasteurization conditions. Its anionic charge gives it a natural affinity for protein systems, particularly casein near its isoelectric point, making it effective as a protective colloid in acidified dairy. Degree of substitution (DS) and molecular weight are the two parameters that define everything else—DS governs solubility and pH tolerance, molecular weight governs viscosity.
How CMC Works as a Thickener, Stabilizer and Binder
When dispersed in water, CMC chains hydrate and extend, creating a structured polymer network that resists flow. This yields several simultaneous functional effects that make CMC indispensable in formulation work:
- Viscosity building: Even at low use levels (0.1–1.0%), CMC measurably increases solution viscosity. Viscosity scales with concentration and molecular weight—allowing formulators to select a grade that matches their target mouthfeel or processing window.
- Sedimentation control: The viscous continuous phase slows Stokes’ law-driven settling of insoluble particles, keeping suspensions homogeneous across extended shelf life.
- Emulsion stabilization: CMC adsorbs at oil-water interfaces, reducing interfacial tension and inhibiting coalescence—effective in dressings, dairy beverages, and cream-based products.
- Protein interaction: In acidic dairy beverages, negatively charged CMC chains associate with positively charged casein micelles near their isoelectric point (pH ≈ 4.6), forming a protective electrostatic complex that prevents heat- or acid-induced aggregation.
- Water retention: CMC’s high water-binding capacity (up to 20× its own weight) retards moisture migration in baked goods and extruded products, extending shelf life.
- Film formation: Concentrated CMC solutions dry to flexible, oxygen-barrier films—leveraged in pharmaceutical tablet coatings and edible packaging.
Important for acidic systems (pH < 4.0): Below pH 3.5, CMC begins converting to its free acid form and may lose solubility or form a gel. For very acidic applications such as carbonated fruit drinks, consider a high-DS grade (DS ≥ 1.0) which maintains stability down to approximately pH 3.0, or combine CMC with colloidal MCC for enhanced particle suspension.
Types of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC): Low, Medium and High Viscosity
Carboxymethyl cellulose is available in multiple CMC viscosity grades, each engineered for a distinct functional role. Low viscosity CMC (typically 50–200 mPa·s at a 2% aqueous solution) dissolves rapidly and flows freely, making it the preferred choice for beverages, tablet binders, and paper coatings where easy processing matters more than body. Medium viscosity CMC (200–800 mPa·s) sits in the middle ground—delivering meaningful thickening and emulsion stabilization without making the system difficult to pump or mix, and is widely used in dairy drinks, dressings, and personal care products.
High viscosity CMC (800–3,000 mPa·s at 1% concentration) builds strong gel structure and resists sedimentation under extended storage or thermal processing, making it the standard choice for ice cream stabilization, pharmaceutical oral suspensions, and heavy-duty industrial thickening. Selecting the right grade comes down to three variables: target end-use viscosity, processing temperature, and the level of ionic interference in the formulation—factors our technical team can help you evaluate before committing to a grade.
CMC for food thickener applications is widely used in beverage systems, dairy products, and processed foods where viscosity control and stability are required.
CMC’s combination of water solubility, pseudoplastic rheology, and broad regulatory approval makes it one of the most versatile hydrocolloids across industries. Dosage levels and grade selection vary significantly by application.
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is widely used across industries due to its excellent thickening, stabilizing, and binding properties. Below are the most common high-demand application areas:
CMC for food thickener
CMC is extensively used as a food thickener in beverages, sauces, dairy products, and processed foods. It improves viscosity, enhances mouthfeel, and ensures product stability during storage and transportation.Food grade CMC thickener is widely used in beverage systems to improve viscosity, stabilize proteins, and prevent sedimentation during storage and transportation.In advanced formulations, CMC is often combined with colloidal MCC stabilizer or HPMC thickener to enhance system stability.
CMC for ice cream stabilization
In frozen desserts, CMC for ice cream stabilization helps control ice crystal growth, improves texture, and enhances melting resistance. It is commonly used at 0.2–0.5% dosage alongside other stabilizers.For complex beverage systems, combining CMC with a colloidal MCC stabilizer can significantly improve suspension stability and prevent phase separation.As a CMC stabilizer for beverages, it helps maintain uniform texture in juice, dairy drinks, and protein-based formulations.
CMC in pharmaceuticals
CMC in pharmaceuticals is used as a binder, disintegrant, and suspension agent in tablets, syrups, and ophthalmic solutions. Pharmaceutical-grade CMC meets USP and Ph. Eur. standards.In pharmaceutical formulations, CMC is often used alongside microcrystalline cellulose excipient to enhance tablet binding and suspension performance.
CMC for drilling fluid
CMC for drilling fluid applications provides fluid loss control, viscosity modification, and thermal stability in oilfield operations. It is widely used in water-based drilling systems.
In certain formulations, HPMC thickener is used as an alternative or complementary ingredient to improve thermal stability and film-forming properties.
As a professional CMC powder supplier, we provide tailored grades for each application, ensuring optimal performance across food, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses.
CMC Specifications and Technical Data
We supply CMC across a range of grades optimized for specific applications. Key parameters are degree of substitution (DS), viscosity class, and purity. Contact us for a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or to discuss custom specifications.
Viscosity Grade Guide
| Grade | Viscosity (2% aq., 25°C) | Typical DS | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (L) | 50–200 mPa·s | 0.70–0.90 | Beverages, tablet binders, paper coatings |
| Medium (M) | 200–800 mPa·s | 0.80–1.00 | Dairy drinks, personal care, dressings |
| High (H) | 800–2000 mPa·s | 0.90–1.10 | Ice cream, yogurt, pharmaceutical suspensions |
| Extra High (XH) | 2000–3000 mPa·s | 1.00–1.20 | Heavy-duty industrial thickening, ophthalmic gels |
Standard Physical & Chemical Parameters
| Parameter | Food Grade (E466) | Pharma Grade (USP/Ph. Eur.) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | White to off-white powder |
| Degree of Substitution | 0.65–1.20 | 0.65–0.95 |
| Assay (on dry basis) | ≥ 99.5% Na-CMC | ≥ 99.5% Na-CMC |
| Moisture content | ≤ 10% | ≤ 10% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| NaCl content | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.2% |
| pH (1% solution) | 6.5–8.5 | 6.5–8.0 |
| Particle size (d90) | Customizable | As specified |
Completed Specification
| TEST ITEMS | CSWY FH7000 | CG3A8H | CZGY7000 | DYNACEL 8H7R | FFV H6-7R | TFH7000 | WFLT003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Exterior | White or Yellowish Powder | White or Yellowish Powder | White or Yellowish Powder | White or Yellowish Powder | White or Yellowish Powder | White or Yellowish Powder | White or Yellowish Powder |
| Viscosity (1%, mPa·s) | 7300 | 7300 | 7300 | 7300 | 7315 | 7530 | 7500 |
| Degree of Substitution | 0.71 | 0.85 | 0.85 | 0.84 | 0.83 | 0.80 | 0.79 |
| pH (25°C) | 6.5 | 7.2 | 7.01 | 7.67 | 7.11 | 7.1 | 7.17 |
| Moisture (%) | 7.3 | 7.3 | 5.57 | 6.7 | 6.78 | 6.15 | 7.2 |
| Purity (%) | 99.5 | 99.5 | 99.54 | 99.6 | 99.78 | 99.73 | 99.5 |
| Mesh | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Heavy Metal (Pb), ppm | 10 Max | 10 Max | 10 Max | 10 Max | 10 Max | 10 Max | 10 Max |
| Iron, ppm | 2 Max | 2 Max | 2 Max | 2 Max | 2 Max | 2 Max | 2 Max |
| Arsenic, ppm | 3 Max | 3 Max | 3 Max | 3 Max | 3 Max | 3 Max | 3 Max |
| Lead, ppm | 2 Max | 2 Max | 2 Max | 2 Max | 2 Max | 2 Max | 2 Max |
| Mercury, ppm | 1 Max | 1 Max | 1 Max | 1 Max | 1 Max | 1 Max | 1 Max |
| Cadmium, ppm | 1 Max | 1 Max | 1 Max | 1 Max | 1 Max | 1 Max | 1 Max |
| Total Plate Count | 500/g Max | 500/g Max | 500/g Max | 500/g Max | 500/g Max | 500/g Max | 500/g Max |
| Yeast & Moulds | 100/g Max | 100/g Max | 100/g Max | 100/g Max | 100/g Max | 100/g Max | 100/g Max |
| E. Coli | Nil/g | Nil/g | Nil/g | Nil/g | Nil/g | Nil/g | Nil/g |
| Coliform Bacteria | Nil/g | Nil/g | Nil/g | Nil/g | Nil/g | Nil/g | Nil/g |
| Salmonella | Nil/25g | Nil/25g | Nil/25g | Nil/25g | Nil/25g | Nil/25g | Nil/25g |
How CMC Is Manufactured
Understanding the manufacturing process helps formulators anticipate how variation in key synthesis parameters affects product performance. Our process follows a controlled slurry method with strict quality checkpoints at every stage.
1
Cellulose purification
Cotton linters or wood pulp refined to high alpha-cellulose purity (≥ 98%)
2
Alkali activation
Cellulose reacted with NaOH in isopropanol slurry to swell and activate hydroxyl groups
3
Etherification
SMCA addition; reaction temperature and time control DS and molecular weight
4
Purification
Washing to remove NaCl and glycolate by-products; purity > 99.5%
5
Milling & QC
Dried, milled to specification; viscosity and DS verified per batch before release
The SMCA-to-cellulose molar ratio and reaction temperature are the primary levers controlling DS, while the degree of polymerization of the input cellulose sets the ceiling for achievable viscosity. This means grade consistency between lots requires tightly controlled raw material sourcing—a discipline embedded in our supplier qualification program.
CMC vs. HPMC vs. Colloidal MCC: Which to Use?
All three are cellulose-based functional ingredients, but their charge, thermal behavior, and suspension mechanism differ fundamentally. Choosing the right one depends on application pH, processing temperature, and the type of particle to be suspended.
| Property | CMC (Na-CMC) | HPMC | Colloidal MCC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ionic character | Anionic | Nonionic | Nonionic |
| Mechanism | Viscosity building, electrostatic protection | Viscosity, thermal gelation | 3D gel network, true suspension |
| Thermal gelation | No | Yes (55–90°C) | No |
| pH sensitivity | Moderate (precipitates < pH 3.5) | Low (stable pH 2–13) | Low |
| Salt tolerance | Moderate — high ionic strength reduces viscosity | Good | Good |
| Primary food use | Beverage, dairy, baked goods | Gluten-free, film coatings | Fat-reduced, UHT, heavy suspensions |
| Primary pharma use | Oral suspensions, ophthalmic drops | Controlled-release tablets | Oral suspensions, topical |
Formulation tip: For high-particulate suspensions (e.g., mineral supplements, plant-based proteins), a A combination of CMC and colloidal MCC stabilizer is often more effective than using a single ingredient, especially in high-solid or protein-rich systems. than either alone. CMC handles viscosity, while MCC’s thixotropic gel network provides the structural framework that resists hard sedimentation under long-term storage or UHT sterilization.
Compared with other cellulose derivatives such as colloidal MCC stabilizer, HPMC thickener, and microcrystalline cellulose excipient,
CMC provides strong viscosity building and electrostatic stabilization, making it ideal for beverages and dairy systems.
People Also Search For
Related Searches for Carboxymethyl Cellulose
– sodium CMC powder supplier
– food grade CMC thickener
– CMC stabilizer for beverages
– CMC manufacturer bulk supply
– carboxymethyl cellulose price per kg
Why Source CMC from Us?
15+
Viscosity and DS grades in stock
99.5%
Minimum purity guaranteed per batch
30+
Countries in our supply network
24h
Technical response time for application queries
- Batch-to-batch consistency: In-house viscometry, DS verification, and moisture testing on every production lot before shipment. CoA provided as standard.
- Dual certification: Food-grade (E466, GRAS, GB 1886.232) and pharmaceutical-grade (USP, Ph. Eur., JP) from the same production facility—simplifying multi-market registration.
- Competitive factory pricing: Direct mill sourcing eliminates intermediary markup. Volume-tiered pricing available for annual supply agreements.
- Flexible packaging: 25 kg kraft paper bags standard; 500 kg big bags and custom packaging for bulk orders.
- Application development support: Our technical team can assist with grade selection, dosage optimization, and formulation troubleshooting—including pilot-scale trials.
- We are a sodium CMC powder supplier and direct manufacturer, offering consistent quality and stable bulk supply for global customers.
- Our CMC manufacturer bulk supply capacity ensures stable production and fast delivery for long-term industrial and food applications.
- As a professional sodium CMC powder supplier, we provide food grade CMC thickener solutions for beverages, dairy, and industrial applications with stable bulk supply and competitive pricing.
As a trusted bulk CMC supplier, we provide consistent quality sodium CMC powder with scalable production capacity for global buyers.
Why Global Buyers Choose Our CMC
- Direct factory manufacturer (not trader)
- Stable bulk supply (20+ tons/month capacity)
- Custom viscosity & DS available
- Fast shipping to US, EU, Southeast Asia
Looking for a reliable bulk CMC supplier or sodium CMC manufacturer? Contact us today for pricing, technical support, and samples tailored to your application. We offer flexible MOQ, fast delivery, and technical support for your applications.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Supplier & Manufacturer
As a dedicated CMC manufacturer with direct factory production, we control every stage of the process—from cellulose sourcing and etherification through milling, quality testing, and packaging—so consistency is built in, not inspected in after the fact. Unlike a trading company or distributor, sourcing from a CMC supplier that owns its production means shorter lead times, transparent pricing, and the ability to adjust grade specifications without going through a third party. We supply bulk CMC in 25 kg bags, 500 kg big bags, and full container loads, with volume-tiered pricing available for annual purchase agreements. Every shipment comes with a full Certificate of Analysis covering viscosity, degree of substitution, moisture, purity, and heavy metal limits—so your QC team has what it needs from day one.
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is widely used across industries:
– CMC for food thickener in beverages, sauces, and dairy
– CMC for ice cream stabilization and frozen desserts
– CMC in pharmaceuticals as a binder and suspending agent
– CMC for drilling fluid in oil and gas operations
Frequently Asked Questions
Low-viscosity CMC (50–200 mPa·s at 2% concentration) dissolves quickly, is easy to pump, and is preferred for beverages, coatings, and tablet binders where processing flow is critical. High-viscosity grades (800–3000 mPa·s at 1% concentration) provide stronger gel structure and superior particle suspension—preferred for dairy stabilization, pharmaceutical suspensions, and industrial thickening. Selecting the right grade avoids over-thickening at process temperatures or under-stabilization during cold storage.
Yes. “Cellulose gum” is the approved food-label name for sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) in many markets, including the United States. Both names refer to exactly the same ingredient: a sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose. In pharmaceutical contexts, you will also see “carmellose sodium” (INN) and “croscarmellose sodium” (a cross-linked, water-insoluble variant used as a disintegrant—different from the soluble CMC used as a stabilizer).
Food-grade CMC typically has a DS between 0.65 and 1.20. A DS of 0.70–0.90 provides standard water solubility and covers most beverage and dairy applications. Higher DS values (1.00–1.20) improve solubility across a wider pH range, reduce sensitivity to calcium ions, and are preferred for acidic drinks (pH 3.5–4.5) and applications with high electrolyte content. The DS also affects transparency—higher DS grades tend to yield clearer solutions.
CMC viscosity decreases reversibly with increasing temperature, following an Arrhenius-type relationship. At 80°C, viscosity is typically 50–65% of the 25°C value; it recovers fully on cooling. CMC does not thermally gel (unlike HPMC), which is advantageous in UHT-processed beverages where the product must remain pourable at process temperatures. For hot-fill or retort applications, a higher-viscosity starting grade may be needed to achieve target cold-storage
consistency.
Yes. CMC is one of the most effective gluten replacers in gluten-free baked goods. It mimics gluten’s water-binding and viscoelastic properties, improving dough handling, gas retention during fermentation, and loaf volume. Typical dosage is 0.2–0.5% on flour weight. CMC is often used alongside xanthan gum or HPMC for synergistic texture improvement. It is naturally gluten-free and suitable for celiac applications.
Standard packaging is 25 kg multi-wall kraft paper bags (polyethylene liner). 500 kg and 1,000 kg big bags (FIBC) are available for bulk orders. Minimum order quantities start at 500 kg for standard grades; custom or specialty grades may require higher MOQ. We can accommodate custom packaging formats with private-label printing for OEM customers. Contact us for volume-tiered pricing.
For bulk buyers, carboxymethyl cellulose price per kg varies depending on viscosity grade, purity level, and order volume. Contact us for updated quotations.
Request Quote / Bulk Order CM
Tell us your application, required viscosity grade, and target volume. We’ll respond within one business day with specifications, samples, and pricing.
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