What Is The Function of CMC?

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) is an organic compound with the chemical formula [C6H7O2(OH)2OCH2COONA]n, a carboxymethylated cellulose derivative and the main ionic cellulose rubber.

• What are the physical and chemical properties of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose?

• What is the application of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in food processing?

• What is the gelling effect of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose?

Physical and Chemical Properties of CMC?

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is called CMC-Na, white to light yellow powder, granular or fibrous substance, strongly hygroscopic, easily soluble in water, and the solution is a highly viscous liquid when neutral or alkaline. Stable against medicine, light and heat. However, its heat resistance is limited to 80°C, and if it is heated over 80°C for a longer period of time, the viscosity decreases and it becomes insoluble in water. Its relative density is 1.60 and the relative density of flakes is 1.59. Refractive index 1,515. It turns brown when heated to 190–205 °C and charrs at 235–248 °C. Its solubility in water depends on the degree of substitution. It is insoluble in acid and alcohol and does not precipitate in the presence of salt. It is not easy to ferment, has a great emulsifying power for oils and waxes and is long-lasting.

Applications of CMC in Food Processing?

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is also a kind of thickener. Due to its good functional properties, it is widely used in the food industry and has also promoted the fast and healthy development of the food industry to some extent. For example, due to its thickening and emulsifying effect, it can be used to stabilize yogurt drinks and increase the viscosity of yogurt systems; Due to its certain hydrophilicity and rehydration, it can be used to improve the consumption of pasta such as bread and steamed bread. quality, prolong the shelf life of pasta and improve the taste; since it has a certain gelling effect, it contributes to a better gelling of food, so that it is used for making jelly and jam, etc. can be used; it can also be used as an edible coating film. It can be used in combination with other thickeners and applied to the surface of some foods to keep the food as fresh as possible, and since it is an edible material, it does not cause any adverse effects on human health. Therefore, food grade CMC-Na is widely used as an ideal food additive in food production in the food industry.

The Gelling effect of CMC?

Thixotropic sodium carboxymethyl cellulose means that the macromolecular chains exhibit a certain number of interactions and tend to form a three-dimensional structure. After the three-dimensional structure is formed, the apparent viscosity of the solution increases; Thixotropic carboxymethyl cellulose plays an important role in the gel system and can be used to make jelly and jam.

POLIFAR was founded in 2013 and focuses on research and development, distribution and technical services of food additives. And it quickly came to market in more than 40 countries and regions such as North America, Australia, the Middle East and Africa.