How does CMC works in ceramic industry

In the ceramic industry, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) serves various functions owing to its unique properties. Here’s how CMC works in the ceramic industry:

1. Binder and Plasticizer:
   • CMC acts as a binder and plasticizer in ceramic bodies or clay formulations. When mixed with clay or other ceramic materials, CMC helps improve the plasticity and workability of the mixture.
   • By enhancing the binding properties of the ceramic paste, CMC enables better shaping, molding, and extrusion processes in ceramic manufacturing.
   • CMC also aids in reducing cracking and shrinkage during drying and firing stages, resulting in improved green strength and dimensional stability of ceramic products.
2. Suspension Agent:
   • CMC functions as a suspension agent in ceramic slurries or glazes by preventing settling of solid particles and maintaining uniform dispersion.
   • It helps suspend ceramic particles, pigments, and other additives evenly throughout the slurry or glaze, ensuring consistent application and coating thickness.
   • CMC enhances the flow properties of ceramic suspensions, facilitating smooth application onto ceramic surfaces and promoting uniform coverage.
3. Thickener and Rheology Modifier:
   • CMC serves as a thickener and rheology modifier in ceramic slurries, adjusting the viscosity and flow behavior of the suspension to desired levels.
   • By controlling the rheological properties of the ceramic paste, CMC enables precise application techniques such as brushing, spraying, or dipping, leading to improved surface finish and glaze uniformity.
   • CMC imparts pseudoplastic behavior to ceramic suspensions, meaning their viscosity decreases under shear stress, allowing for easier application and better surface leveling.
4. Binder for Ceramic Fiber Products:
   • In the production of ceramic fiber products such as insulation materials and refractory linings, CMC is used as a binder to enhance fiber cohesion and form stable mats or boards.
   • CMC helps bind ceramic fibers together, providing mechanical strength, flexibility, and thermal stability to the final product.
   • CMC also aids in the dispersion of ceramic fibers within the binder matrix, ensuring uniform distribution and enhanced performance of ceramic fiber composites.
5. Glaze Additive:
   • CMC is added to ceramic glazes as a viscosity modifier and adhesive to improve their application properties and adhesion to ceramic surfaces.
   • It helps suspend glaze materials and pigments, preventing settling and ensuring consistent coverage and color development during firing.
   • CMC promotes adhesion between the glaze and ceramic substrate, reducing defects such as crawling, pinholing, and blistering on the glazed surface.

sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) plays a crucial role in the ceramic industry by serving as a binder, plasticizer, suspension agent, thickener, rheology modifier, and glaze additive. Its versatility and multifunctional properties contribute to the efficient processing, improved quality, and enhanced performance of ceramic products throughout various stages of production.