Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is an odourless, tasteless white or milk-white fibrous powder that is sometimes referred to as Cellulose Gum. CMC is used as a thickener, coating agent and natural food adhesive. When fully dissolved in water, Carboxymethyl Cellulose forms a viscous consistency depending on the amount of water added. The resulting gel is completely stable to heat, weak alkalis or acids and microorganisms.

Widely used in the food industry as a viscosity modifier or thickener and to stabilise emulsions in various

CMC is favoured because it has a high viscosity, is non-toxic and is generally considered to be hypoallergenic. CMC also has good compatibility with other kinds of water-soluble glues, softeners and resin. For example, it is compatible with animal glues, dimethoxy dimethylurea gel, Arabic gum, pectin, tragacanth gum, ethylene glycol, sorbitol, glycerol, invert sugar, soluble starch and sodium alginate.

Physical Analysis:

Physical form: Free flowing powder
Ingredient declaration: E466
Purity: 99.5%
Moisture: 10% Max
Degree of substitution: 0.65 Min
pH: 6.0 – 8.5
Viscosity (1%, LVT, 30rpm, sp.4): 3500 – 4500 cps
Particle Size: Approx 100-mesh
Cas Number: 9000-11-7
E Number: E466

Chemical Analysis:

Heavy metals (as Pb): 20 ppm Max
Lead: 2 ppm Max
Arsenic: 3 ppm Max
Cadmium: 1 ppm Max
Mercury: 1 ppm Max

Microbiological:

Total Plate Count: 5000 cfu/g Max
Yeasts & Mould: 500 cfu/g Max
Coliforms: 100 cfu/g Max
coli:  Absent /g
Salmonella: Absent /25g

Available in a range of weights, ideal for every application from making giant bubbles, to manufacturing beauty products, to large scale TV productions.

Material Safety Data Sheets for all products are available here.