Description
ATOMFAIR® CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE (CMC)RESEARCH GRADE MATERIAL
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TAILORED SOLUTIONS FOR RESEARCH
Inquire for commercial volume matrices or processing parameters at our technical support platform.
EMAIL: support@atomfair.com
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Manufacturer: Atomfair LLC
Brand: ATOMFAIR®
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Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble polymer whose viscosity depends on concentration and degree of substitution. The polymer remains stable across a pH range of 3 to 11 and requires controlled dispersion to avoid clumping.
- Solubility: CMC must be dispersed slowly in water with continuous stirring to prevent agglomeration.
- pH Stability: The polymer maintains viscosity stability across a pH range of 3 to 11.
- Viscosity Control: Viscosity varies from 100 to 1,000,000 cP depending on concentration and shear conditions.
CMC is typically formulated as an aqueous solution at desired concentration for thickening or stabilization. Proper hydration and pH adjustment are critical for achieving target viscosity.
- Weighing
Weigh the required amount of CMC powder using an analytical balance. - Dispersion
Slowly disperse the powder into the vortex of stirred water to avoid clumping. - Hydration
Continue stirring for 1 to 2 hours until the solution becomes clear and homogeneous. - pH Adjustment
Adjust the pH of the solution to within the 3 to 11 range if necessary.
How does the degree of substitution (DS) of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) affect its viscosity and performance in aqueous formulations?
The degree of substitution (DS) directly determines the molecular weight and viscosity profile of CMC. Higher DS values yield greater water solubility and higher viscosity at equivalent concentrations, as more carboxymethyl groups per anhydroglucose unit enhance chain expansion and hydration. The product description states that molecular weight varies based on DS, and viscosity typically ranges from 100 to 1,000,000 cP depending on concentration, confirming that DS is a primary control parameter for rheological behavior in research-grade formulations.
What are the critical pH stability limits for Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) when used as a thickening agent in pharmaceutical or food systems?
CMC maintains functional integrity across a broad pH range from 3 to 11, as explicitly stated in the technical specifications. This wide stability window makes it suitable for acidic food formulations (e.g., dressings, sauces) and alkaline pharmaceutical suspensions. Below pH 3 or above pH 11, the polymer may undergo hydrolysis or loss of viscosity, limiting its utility in extreme environments. The product description confirms pH stability as a key parameter for application versatility.
What specific handling and storage precautions are required for Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) to preserve its rheological properties in laboratory settings?
CMC must be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent degradation of its water-soluble polymer structure. The safety information section mandates use of appropriate PPE during handling, including gloves and eye protection, to avoid inhalation or skin contact. These precautions are critical because CMC is hygroscopic and can absorb ambient humidity, leading to clumping or reduced dispersibility in aqueous solutions, which directly impacts viscosity control in experimental formulations.
This research-grade carboxymethyl cellulose provides a water-soluble polymer with broad pH stability (3-11) and tunable viscosity from 100 to 1,000,000 cP, making it suitable for thickening and stabilization in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. However, its moisture sensitivity and variable molecular weight require controlled storage and careful specification.
Positive
- Broad pH stability range: Effective across pH 3-11, enabling formulation compatibility with acidic and alkaline systems without significant loss of viscosity or function.
- Wide viscosity tunability: Viscosity can be adjusted from 100 to 1,000,000 cP by varying concentration, providing precise rheological control for diverse applications.
Trade-offs
- Moisture-sensitive storage required: Must be stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight to prevent premature dissolution or degradation, adding handling constraints.
- Property variability with substitution: Molecular weight varies with the degree of substitution, leading to batch-to-batch variation in performance that requires strict specification for reproducible formulations.
Every advanced material, component, equipment, and instrument in our catalog is backed by rigorous testing. We maintain strict internal quality management frameworks and align with CE conformity metrics to deliver transparent, reproducible performance data via our public open-science repository.
To request raw batch performance data, submit formal vendor registration paperwork, or execute a fast-turnaround R&D manufacturing loop, contact us at inquiry@atomfair.com.
Item is dispatched under the Atomfair Shipping & Delivery Framework (Free worldwide shipping on orders over $59 USD). Return is governed by the Atomfair Return & Refund Policy (7-day technical return window).
