Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) Supplier South Africa

What Is Carboxymethylcellulose?

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), also known as cellulose gum, is an anionic, water-soluble polymer derived by reacting cellulose with sodium monochloroacetate. The degree of substitution and polymer chain length determine viscosity, ranging from low-viscosity grades for thin-film binders to high-viscosity grades for gel-forming applications. CMC is approved under E466 in food and feed applications.

Applications in Feed and Aquafeed

In pelleted feeds CMC acts as a binder that improves pellet durability index (PDI), reduces fines, and lowers energy consumption during pelleting. In aquafeed it is critical for pellet water stability, preventing nutrient leaching into the water column. CMC also functions as a thickener in liquid feed supplements and electrolyte solutions, improving suspension stability and ease of dosing.

Grades and Supply

Terracore Chemicals supplies multiple viscosity grades of food/feed-grade CMC in 25 kg bags, suitable for pelleted ruminant, monogastric, and aquafeed applications. Technical guidance on substitution rate and blend compatibility is available for manufacturers optimising pellet quality or aquafeed stability.