CMC is a high-performance papermaking additive widely used in processes such as pigment coating, stock addition, and surface sizing. Its outstanding properties, including dispersion, thixotropy, and water retention, have gained broad recognition in the paper industry. It is a water-soluble polymer dissolving in cold as well as in warm water.
Pigment Coating
- Controls and adjusts coating rheology and pigment dispersion, increasing coating solids content.
- Imparts pseudoplasticity to coatings, enabling high-speed application.
- Enhances water retention, preventing migration of water-soluble binders.
- Provides excellent film-forming properties, improving coating gloss.
- Increases optical brightener retention, enhancing paper whiteness.
- Improves coating lubricity, enhancing coating quality and extending blade life.
Wet-end Addition
- Improves refining efficiency, promotes fiber fibrillation, and reduces beating time.
- Regulates pulp zeta potential, enhances fiber dispersion, and improves sheet formation.
- Increases retention of additives, fillers, and fines.
- Strengthens fiber bonding, improving paper strength properties.
- Synergizes with dry/wet strength agents to enhance paper strength.
- Protects internal sizing agents (e.g., rosin, AKD) and improves sizing efficiency.
- Reduces pollutant load.
Surface Sizing
- Exhibits excellent rheology and film-forming properties.
- Reduces surface porosity, improving oil resistance.
- Enhances paper brightness and gloss.
- Increases stiffness, smoothness, and curl control.
- Improves surface strength and abrasion resistance, reducing linting and dusting for better printability.
When blended with other agents: 10–30% of total sizing mix.
When used alone: 0.2–1.0% solution