{"id":78810,"date":"2025-05-08T12:24:45","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T10:24:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quimidroga.com\/?p=78810"},"modified":"2025-05-08T12:38:03","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T10:38:03","slug":"carboxymethyl-cellulose-an-essential-additive-in-the-modern-paper-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quimidroga.com\/en\/2025\/05\/08\/carboxymethyl-cellulose-an-essential-additive-in-the-modern-paper-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Carboxymethyl Cellulose: an essential additive in the modern paper industry"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Carboxymethyl Cellulose<\/strong> (CMC) has risen to prominence in many industrial sectors thanks to its versatility, safety, and sustainability. Derived from renewable sources such as wood or cotton, this naturally occurring polymer is now an essential ingredient in applications as diverse as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and, most notably, the paper industry.<\/p>

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What is Carboxymethyl Cellulose?<\/strong><\/h2>

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Carboxymethyl Cellulose<\/strong> (CMC) is a water-soluble anionic polysaccharide<\/strong> derived from natural cellulose. It is obtained by a chemical modification in which cellulose is treated with monochloroacetic acid, incorporating carboxymethyl groups (-CH\u2082COO-) along its structure. This process gives it functional properties that are highly valued in many industries.<\/p>

Its production is based on renewable raw materials<\/strong> such as wood, cotton, or bamboo, and it is common to find it with sustainability certifications, such as PEFC<\/strong>, which guarantees the responsible origin of the cellulose used.<\/p>

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Key Properties of Carboxymethyl Cellulose<\/strong><\/h2>

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CMC is recognised for its many functional and technical benefits:<\/p>

    • Water retention adjustment: <\/strong>it allows moisture control according to process needs.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
        • Rheology modification: <\/strong>it regulates viscosity and fluid behaviour.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
            • High capacity as a binder and dispersant. <\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                • High chemical and mechanical stability. <\/strong><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                    • Excellent compatibility with optical brighteners, <\/strong>improving its stability against irradiation.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                        • Non-toxic, biodegradable and repulpable, <\/strong>making it an environmentally friendly solution.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                            • Safe for contact with food and skin, <\/strong>complying with regulations such as the US FDA, EU (BfR) and Chinese regulations.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

                              These properties make Carboxymethyl Cellulose suitable for a wide range of technical requirements and for production processes that prioritise efficiency and sustainability.<\/p>

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                              Carboxymethyl Cellulose in the paper industry<\/h2>

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                              One of the sectors where CMC<\/strong> has reached a strategic position is the paper industry<\/strong>. Its incorporation as an additive improves not only the final quality of the product, but also the efficiency of the production process, in line with current environmental requirements.<\/p>

                              At Quimidroga we have spent years developing a complete range of specific carboxymethyl cellulose for papermaking<\/strong>, especially suitable for:<\/p>

                                • Paper pulp<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                    • Tissue paper (toilet paper, tissues, napkins, etc.)<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                        • Coated paper and cardboard<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                            • Special papers (thermal paper, infusions, barrier papers, etc.)<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

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                                              Tissue paper: technical performance and efficiency<\/strong><\/h2>

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                                              In tissue papermaking, the application of Carboxymethyl Cellulose brings clear advantages when used in the pulp:<\/p>

                                                • Equilibrium of the ionic balance <\/strong>as it is an anionic additive.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                    • Reduced refining time, <\/strong>which allows for increased production.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                        • Improved sheet formation <\/strong>and strengthens its internal cohesion and mechanical properties.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                            • Increased use of short fibre <\/strong>and reduced consumption of long fibre, optimising resources.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                • Increased epichlorohydrin resin fixation, <\/strong>improving the paper’s strength in wet conditions.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

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                                                                  Comparison with epichlorohydrin resin <\/strong><\/h2>

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                                                                  An optimal application strategy is to use CMC in a WSR 1:4 ratio<\/strong>, dosing it first, preferably prior to the machine head or directly into the pulper. The recommended dosage is 0.1 % on pulp<\/strong>, dry basis.<\/p>

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                                                                  Size Press applications: strength and surface quality <\/strong><\/h2>

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                                                                  In size press coating processes, where starch is normally applied, CMC can be mixed in proportions of 1 to 2 % compared to dry starch<\/strong>. The advantages are manifold:<\/p>

                                                                    • Improved internal strength <\/strong>and surface finish.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                        • Improved printability<\/strong>, ideal for high quality printing.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                            • Reduced paper porosity<\/strong>, offering a barrier effect.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

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                                                                              Coated papers and boards: high-level finishes<\/strong><\/h2>

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                                                                              In the production of coated papers and boards, such as those used in packaging, advertising boards or magazines, CMC acts as a co-binder in the formulations of coating slips<\/strong>, together with other components such as latex or starches.<\/p>

                                                                              Coating formulations include:<\/p>

                                                                                • Pigments: <\/strong>kaolin, calcium carbonate, etc.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                    • Bleaching agents: <\/strong>titanium dioxide, optical brighteners.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                        • Binders: <\/strong>latex, CMC, acrylics.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

                                                                                          Carboxymethyl Cellulose offers decisive advantages in this application:<\/p>

                                                                                            • Precise adjustment of water retention and viscosity.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                • Improved chemical and mechanical stability of the coating.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                    • Improved lubrication of the blade during application.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                        • Good carrier of optical brighteners, improving whiteness and gloss.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                            • High active concentration, allowing preparation of slips with high solids content.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                                • Easy to handle and compatible with existing formulations.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

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                                                                                                                  Sustainable, Efficient & Safe Additive<\/strong><\/h2>

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                                                                                                                  CMC not only improves the technical performance of paper but also responds to the demands of an industry increasingly committed to sustainability. Its biodegradable, non-toxic and repulpable<\/strong> nature, together with its renewable and certified<\/strong> origin, position it as a solution in line with circular economy and responsible production criteria.<\/p>

                                                                                                                  In addition, its compliance with international regulations<\/strong> for food contact and dermatological safety allows its use in a wide variety of end products without compromising health or the environment.<\/p>

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                                                                                                                  Quimidroga\u2019s CMC<\/strong><\/h2>

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                                                                                                                  Carboxymethyl Cellulose is much more than just an additive. It is a key technical tool that drives efficiency and sustainability in papermaking. From tissue paper to coated paperboard, through speciality papers, its ability to improve product quality, optimise processes and comply with strict regulations makes it a strategic ally for the paper sector.<\/p>

                                                                                                                  At Quimidroga we provide the market with an advanced range of carboxymethyl cellulose adapted to the needs of each application, with the commitment to keep innovating in favour of a more efficient, sustainable and high added value industry.<\/p>

                                                                                                                  For more information, please contact us:<\/p>\n

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