Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) in Paper Making 

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is widely used in the paper industry as a binding agent, retention aid, surface sizing agent, and coating additive. Its excellent water solubility, film-forming ability, and viscosity control properties enhance paper quality and production efficiency.  

CMC as a Wet-End Additive

In the wet-end process of papermaking, CMC improves fiber bonding and enhances paper strength.  

Functions:  

Enhances Fiber Retention: Improves the retention of fillers, pigments, and fine fibers, reducing raw material waste.  

Improves Paper Strength: Increases the internal bond strength, tensile strength, and bursting strength of paper.  

Optimizes Water Management: Helps in water retention, preventing excessive moisture loss and improving sheet formation.  

Benefits: 

Stronger and smoother paper  

Better retention of fillers and fibers  

Improved drainage and formation  

CMC in Surface Sizing  

CMC is used in surface sizing to improve the surface strength, smoothness, and printability of paper.  

Functions:  

Increases Surface Strength:Reduces paper dusting and linting, making it suitable for high-speed printing.  

Improves Ink Holdout: Prevents ink from penetrating too deeply, ensuring sharp and vibrant prints.  

Enhances Water Resistance: Reduces paper absorbency, making it suitable for packaging applications.  

Benefits:  

Reduces ink feathering for better print quality  

Increases paper durability and resistance to wear  

Works as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic sizing agents  

CMC in Paper Coating 

CMC is an essential component in paper coating formulations to enhance **rheology, viscosity control, and binder efficiency**.  

Functions: 

Acts as a Thickener: Controls the viscosity of coating formulations for smooth application.  

Improves Coating Adhesion: Enhances pigment binding to the paper surface.  

Enhances Gloss & Smoothness: Provides a uniform surface for better print quality.  

Benefits:  

Better pigment dispersion for uniform coating  

Higher brightness and smoother paper surface  

Reduced dusting and better printing performance  

CMC in Tissue and Specialty Papers

For tissue paper and specialty paper production, CMC helps improve softness, absorbency, and strength.  

Functions:  

Enhances Water Absorption: Makes tissue paper softer and more absorbent.  

Increases Wet Strength: Helps tissue paper maintain integrity when wet.  

Improves Texture & Smoothness: Provides a better feel for premium tissue and specialty papers.  

Benefits: 

Softer and more absorbent tissues  

Stronger yet delicate specialty papers  

Environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic additives  

CMC Selection for Paper Making

CMC is available in different grades depending on the required viscosity, degree of substitution (DS), and purity:  

Low-viscosity CMC: Used in wet-end retention and drainage applications.  

Medium-viscosity CMC: Used in surface sizing and paper coating.  

High-viscosity CMC:Used in coating formulations for high-gloss papers.