Description

AMC & CMC: Cellulose Derivatives for Diverse Applications

This product description details the properties and applications of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) and Amylomaize (often mistakenly referred to as Amylopectin Maize, but is actually a modified starch – we'll clarify this below) – two versatile cellulose derivatives used extensively across various industries.

1. Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC):

CMC is an anionic, water-soluble derivative of cellulose. It's produced by treating cellulose with chloroacetic acid, resulting in a polymer with carboxymethyl groups (-CH₂COONa) attached to the cellulose backbone. This modification significantly alters cellulose's properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Key Properties of CMC:

• Excellent Water Solubility: Dissolves readily in both hot and cold water, forming viscous solutions.
• High Viscosity: Provides excellent thickening, suspending, and stabilizing properties. Viscosity is adjustable based on the degree of substitution (DS) and molecular weight.
• Film-forming ability: Can form clear, strong, and flexible films.
• Biocompatibility & Biodegradability: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food applications. Biodegradable in the environment.
• Emulsifying & Stabilizing properties: Helps stabilize emulsions and suspensions.
• pH stability: Relatively stable across a wide pH range.

Applications of CMC:

• Food Industry: Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier in ice cream, sauces, dressings, bakery products, and confectionery.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Binder, disintegrant, stabilizer, and suspending agent in tablets, capsules, and suspensions.
• Personal Care Industry: Thickening agent and stabilizer in creams, lotions, shampoos, and toothpastes.
• Textile Industry: Sizing agent, thickener for printing pastes.
• Paper Industry: Binder, coating agent, and additive for improved strength and wettability.
• Oil & Gas Industry: Drilling mud additive to improve rheological properties.

2. Amylomaize (Modified Starch, NOT Amylopectin Maize):

It's crucial to clarify that "Amylomaize" is a modified waxy maize starch, not a pure amylopectin. While it's high in amylopectin (a branched-chain polysaccharide), it's not solely amylopectin. The modification process enhances its functional properties.

Key Properties of Amylomaize:

• High Viscosity: Develops significantly higher viscosity than regular cornstarch.
• Excellent clarity: Produces clear solutions or gels.
• Good freeze-thaw stability: Maintains viscosity and texture after repeated freezing and thawing.
• Excellent stability: Resistant to syneresis (separation of liquid from gel).
• Good mouthfeel: Provides a smooth, creamy texture in food applications.

Applications of Amylomaize:

• Food Industry: Thickening agent, stabilizer, and binder in frozen desserts, sauces, soups, and processed foods.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Binder and tablet disintegrant.
• Paper Industry: Coating and adhesive.

Choosing between CMC and Amylomaize:

The choice between CMC and Amylomaize depends on the specific application and desired properties. CMC generally offers broader versatility due to its higher water solubility and film-forming properties, whereas Amylomaize excels in applications requiring high viscosity, clarity, and freeze-thaw stability. Consider factors like required viscosity, clarity, stability, cost, and regulatory compliance when making your selection.

Note: Specific grades of CMC and Amylomaize exist with varying properties tailored for different applications. Contact us for detailed specifications and to discuss your specific needs.