Cellulose and derivatives

Carboxymethylcellulose

The chemical company BARZAGHI, who has more than 75 years of experience, produces by chemical synthesis a wide range of Carboxymethylcellulose present in the market with trademarks Carbofix® and Gelogum®.

Manufacturing capacity is at present of about 4,000 metric tons per annum, focussed exclusively on special types according to particularly demanding technical specifications.
Carboxymethylcellulose, commonly known as CMC, is a special organic polymer soluble in aqueous systems.

CMC is produced by reacting together in adequate conditions cellulose, caustic soda and mono-chloroacetic acid, according to the following scheme:

The above is a simplified formula since in reality molecules are particularly long and the carboxymethyl groupings (-CH2COONa) could be linked with any of the hydroxyl groups present in the glucose units, as exemplified in the molecular formula shown above.

The numerous applications of Carboxymethylcellulose arise from its hydrophilic properties, the high viscosity of its diluted solutions, its property of forming films resistant to fats, its non-toxicity as well as from its particularly good behaviour as a stabilizing and adhesive colloid.

In particular, Carboxymethylcellulose is being used:

• In agriculture, as a thickener as well as a binder and suspending agent for anti-parasites
• As a binder and stabilizer in temperas, particularly in view of its high dispersing effect on pigments
• As a binder for powder mixtures for pelletization such as, for instance, in the production of animal feed and fertilizers
• As a printing thickener in the textile industry
• In foundry moulds
• In glazes for the ceramic industry
• As an emulsifier in cements and bitumens
• In the textile industry, as a component for the formulation of yarn sizing
• In the paper industry, as a co-binder of coatings, in the surface treatment and as an additive in bulk paper-stock
• In the fat-proofing of papers
• As a stabilizer of detergents and soaps
• In the petroleum industry, as an additive for drilling muds

Among CMC’s properties it is worth noting:

• Ease of solution in cold and hot water
• High adhesion and filming properties
• Extended stability of its solutions
• Non-surface active product
• Non-foaming properties
• Ecological product, completely biodegradable

Properties that classify the various types of CMC and therefore their applications are expressed by:

• The degree of substitution (i.e. solubility)
• The degree of polymerization (i.e. viscosity)
• Active substance (expressed as NaCMC)
• pH of solutions
• Particles’ size

In our brochures and product lists you will find CMC’s displaying high and low viscosities, technical and purified, characterized according to their degree of purity, pH of solutions, and degree of substitution.
Should you not find the product specific for your own requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our laboratory is at the disposal of our clients for whatever custom-designed formulations.

GELOGUM SERIE HC
Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) – Non ionic water soluble polymer.

The Hydroxyethylcellulose, commonly like HEC, is a non ionic hydrophilic water soluble polymer, compatible with inorganic salts and electrolytes.
HEC has usually thickeners properties, suspending agents, emulsifiers, binders and dispersants.
The product in solution is also used as adhesive, water retentive, protective colloid, stable film and gel forming in alkaline and acids systems.
It’s a cellulose derived polymer where the hydroxyethyl groups are repleced to those hydroxyls.
They have superior performance compared with other cellulose derivatives regards compression values, bending and stability, which give in the compounds in which HEC are used.
The product appears as a white-ivory color powder, easily soluble in water without lumps formation.
Once dispersed in a liquid, the viscosity increases gradually until obtaining its own value, on average this time is calculable in about 15/20 minutes.
Recommended products: serie Gelogum HC