Sodium CMC solubility

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is highly soluble in water, which is one of its key properties and contributes to its widespread use in various industries. When dispersed in water, CMC forms viscous solutions or gels, depending on the concentration and molecular weight of the CMC.

The solubility of CMC in water is influenced by several factors:

1. Degree of Substitution (DS): CMC with higher DS values tends to have greater water solubility due to the increased number of carboxymethyl groups introduced onto the cellulose backbone.
2. Molecular Weight: Higher molecular weight CMC may exhibit slower dissolution rates compared to lower molecular weight grades. However, once dissolved, both high and low molecular weight CMC typically form solutions with similar viscosity properties.
3. Temperature: Generally, the solubility of CMC in water increases with temperature. Higher temperatures facilitate the dissolution process and result in faster hydration of CMC particles.
4. pH: The solubility of CMC is relatively unaffected by pH within the typical range encountered in most applications. CMC solutions remain stable and soluble over a wide pH range, from acidic to alkaline conditions.
5. Agitation: Agitation or mixing enhances the dissolution of CMC in water by increasing the contact between CMC particles and water molecules, thus accelerating the hydration process.

sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is known for its excellent water solubility, making it a valuable additive in a wide range of applications, including food, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial formulations. Its ability to form stable and viscous solutions contributes to its functionality as a thickener, stabilizer, binder, and film-former in various products and processes.