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Sodium Carboxymethlcellulose(CMC)

Chemical Formula: [C6H7O2(OH)2OCH2COONa]n
Molecular Weight: /
CAS No.​: 9004-32-4
EINECS No.​: 900-432-4


Introduction

Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is an organic compound appearing as white to light yellow powder, granules or fibrous material. As the most important ionic cellulose gum, CMC is odorless, tasteless, highly hygroscopic, and readily disperses in water to form transparent colloidal solutions.

CMC serves as an excellent thickener with versatile functional properties that have made it widely applicable in food industry. Its multifunctional characteristics including thickening, emulsifying, water retention and gel formation have significantly contributed to the development of food processing technologies.

Specifications

ParameterSpecifications
AppearanceWhite or light-yellow granule, powder, or fine fibre
IdentificationConform
SolubilityReadily disperses in water, insoluble in ethanol
Assay (on dried basis), % min99.5
Loss on drying (105°C), % max12.0
Substitution degree, %0.2-1.5
Sodium content, % max12.4
Sodium chloride, % max0.5
Sodium Glycolate, % max0.4
pH value (1% aqueous solution)6.0-8.5
Lead, ppm max2
Heavy metals (as Pb), ppm max20

Features and Benefits

Key Functional Properties

  • Excellent thickening and stabilizing properties
  • Strong water retention capacity
  • Good emulsifying characteristics
  • Effective gel formation ability
  • pH stability across wide range
  • Heat resistance during processing
  • Edible film-forming capability

Applications

Dairy Products

  • Acidic beverages: Stabilizes casein at low pH (0.4% CMC optimal)
  • Stirred yogurt: Improves texture and stability (0.4-0.5% recommended)
  • Casein emulsions: Enhances stability when combined with xanthan gum

Bakery Products

  • Bread: Increases volume and shelf life (2-8% optimal, 6% best)
  • Steamed buns: Improves texture (0.06-0.08% recommended)

Other Food Applications

  • Meat flavor enhancers (5% as optimal gelling agent)
  • Fruit jams and preserves (1.9% CMC in optimal formulation)
  • Beverage stabilization (0.05% with alginate for corn drinks)
  • Ice cream production
  • Wine clarification
Processing Tip: For best results in acidic dairy applications, use cold processing method which maintains higher viscosity and better stability during shelf life.

Usage Guidelines

  1. Disperse in water with adequate agitation
  2. For dairy applications, dissolve before adding acidic components
  3. In bakery products, mix with dry ingredients first
  4. Adjust concentration based on desired viscosity and application
  5. For optimal stability, allow complete hydration before use

Packaging & Storage

Package: 25kg or 20kg outer paper bag with inner PE liner

Shelf Life: 36 months when properly stored

Storage Conditions:

  • Store in dry, non-humid environment
  • Keep away from direct sunlight
  • Reseal tightly after each use to minimize air exposure
  • Store separately from toxic or hazardous chemicals