CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE

A sodium salt, soluble in water, with which it forms a high-density mixture with excellent retention properties, insoluble in organic solvents. Carboxymethyl Cellulose is used for the preparation of cleaning mixtures and poultices to be applied to stone surfaces and frescoes, to which it gives thixotropic and thickening properties; the most famous chemical cleaning poultice inside which CMC is used is AB 57 (I.C.R. formulation - Rome).



PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:



- Chemical description: sodium salt of cellulose glycolic acid (Na CMC)

- Appearance: white-beige powder

- Specific gravity: 0.4 ± 0.1 kg/l at 20°C

- pH: 6.5-8.0 in 2% aqueous solution

- Viscosity at 5% in water: 6000-8000 mPas (at 20°C)

- Granulometry: < 0.18 mm (97% min.)