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CAS 9004-32-4

Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble cellulose polymer used in drilling fluids for fluid-loss control (LV grade) and viscosity (HV grade).

CMC is made by reacting purified cellulose with monochloroacetic acid, giving a water-soluble anionic polymer. Its molecular size decides its job. Low-viscosity (LV) CMC reduces fluid loss — it plugs the filter cake and keeps water from invading the formation — without thickening the mud. High-viscosity (HV) CMC builds viscosity and suspends cuttings as well as controlling fluid loss.

CMC performs best in fresh to moderately saline muds. In high-salinity or high-hardness systems, polyanionic cellulose (PAC-R and PAC-LV), a more highly substituted relative, holds its performance better. Beyond drilling, technical CMC is used as an anti-redeposition agent in detergents and as a thickener in textile printing, paper coating and ceramics.

CAS number
9004-32-4
Synonyms
CMC
Grades / forms
LV & HV

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  • Certificate of Analysis with every batch
  • MSDS in destination format
  • Toll manufacturing to your specification
  • Private label packing available

Typical applications

  • Fluid-loss control in water-based drilling mud (LV)
  • Viscosity and cuttings suspension in drilling mud (HV)
  • Workover and completion fluids
  • Anti-redeposition agent in laundry detergents
  • Thickener for textile printing pastes and paper coatings

Packing options

  • 25 kg multi-wall paper bags
  • Jumbo bags on request

Storage & handling

Store dry and sealed. CMC is hygroscopic and forms lumps if exposed to humidity.

Documentation

Certificate of Analysis, MSDS, Certificate of Origin, dangerous goods declaration where applicable, and third-party pre-shipment inspection on request.

Typical specification

Degree of substitution
About 0.75–1.2, by grade
Viscosity
LV and HV grades, by 2% solution viscosity
pH (1% solution)
6.5–8.5
Moisture
≤ 10%

Typical values for reference. The exact specification is agreed before the order and confirmed on the Certificate of Analysis for each batch.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose — frequently asked

CMC LV (low viscosity) controls fluid loss without significantly raising mud viscosity, so it suits weighted muds. CMC HV (high viscosity) both controls fluid loss and builds viscosity to carry cuttings, so it suits unweighted and low-solids muds.

In high-salinity, high-hardness or seawater-based muds, standard CMC loses effectiveness. Polyanionic cellulose (PAC-R and PAC-LV) has a higher degree of substitution and stays effective in those conditions.

CMC is generally effective up to about 120–150 °C bottom-hole temperature. Above that it begins to degrade, and synthetic polymers are used for fluid-loss control instead.

Yes. Chemtrade manufactures and exports Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CAS 9004-32-4) from Surat, Gujarat, India to more than 55 countries, for customers in Mining & Oil Drilling. Send your grade, quantity and destination port for a quotation within one business day.

Every shipment of Carboxymethyl Cellulose from Chemtrade includes a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Certificate of Origin, third-party pre-shipment inspection and destination-specific regulatory documentation are arranged on request.

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