Carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt

Soluble carboxymethylcelluloses (CM-cellulose; CMC) available in varying viscosities are used as viscosity modifiers (thickeners) to stabilize emulsions and as a chemical dispersants of oils and other carbon structures such as nanotubes. CMCs are used in the development of biostructures such as biofilms, emulsions and nanoparticles for drug delivery. Carboxymethylcellulose, medium viscosity, may be used to make solutions the consistency of syrup.

This product is a medium viscosity carboxymethylcellulose (CMC); the viscosity of a 2% solution in water at 25 C is 400-800 centipoise (cps). The viscosity is both concentration and temperature dependent. As the temperaure increases, the viscosity decreases. As the concentration increases, the viscosity increases.

Low, medium and high viscosity CMCs are all used as suspending agents. Low viscosity CMC is usually used in "thin" aqueous solutions. Medium viscosity CMC is used to make solutions that look like a syrup. High viscosity CMC is used to make a mixture, which resembles a cream or lotion.

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The product is soluble in water (20 mg/ml).
The key to dissolving carboxymethylcellulose is to add the solid carefully to the water so that it is well dispersed (well-wetted). Adding the solid in portions may be necessary. Adding water to the dry solid produces a "clump" of solid that is very difficult to dissolve; the solid must be added to the water. Stir gently or shake intermittently; do not stir constantly with a magnetic stirring bar. High heat is not needed and may actually slow down the solubilization process. A mixing device, such as an impeller-type agitator which produces a vortex, would allow the powder to be drawn into the liquid, but it may produce some shearing.