Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, often abbreviated as CMC, is a widely used cellulose derivative known for its excellent thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying properties. It's found in a diverse range of products across various industries, from food and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and cleaning solutions.
Uses:
Food Industry:
Thickener and stabilizer: Used in various food products to improve texture, prevent separation, and maintain consistency, such as:
Sauces, dressings, and soups
Baked goods and desserts
Frozen foods and ice cream
Emulsifier: Helps suspend fats and oils in water-based products, enhancing texture and preventing creaming or separation.
Dietary fiber: Some types of CMC can contribute dietary fiber to food products.
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Tablet and capsule binder: Binds ingredients together for proper tablet and capsule formation.
Thickener and suspending agent: Thickens syrups and suspensions to improve their consistency and prevent settling.
Controlled drug release: Some forms of CMC can be used to control the release of medication in the body.
Cosmetics and Personal Care:
Thickener and stabilizer: Used in various products like shampoos, lotions, and toothpastes to improve consistency and prevent separation.
Film former: Can create a thin film on the skin or hair, providing texture and enhancing other ingredients' effects.
Other Uses:
Textile industry: Thickens printing inks and dyes.
Cleaning products: Thickens and stabilizes detergents and cleaning solutions.
Industrial applications: Used in adhesives, paints, and other industrial products for thickening and stabilization.
