CMC used in ceramic industry

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose plays a crucial role in the ceramic industry, contributing significantly to the shaping of the clay body, the preparation of glazes, and the enhancement of properties.
Image

Application of Body Forming Process

01.

Enhance plasticity

When CMC is added as a binder to ceramic raw materials (such as clay, quartz, feldspar, etc.), it can significantly enhance the plasticity and flexibility of the green body, facilitating pressing or injection molding.
In the production of daily-use ceramics (tableware, tea sets), the addition of CMC can reduce the cracking of the clay body and improve the molding efficiency.
02

Improve drying strength

CMC binds the granules of the raw material through hydrogen bonds, reducing the shrinkage stress during the drying process and preventing cracking during drying. For example, in the production of tiles, the addition of CMC increases the strength of the raw material by more than 30%, and reduces the rate of transportation damage.

Application of Glaze Preparation

01.

Suspension stabilizer

CMC enables the solid particles in the glaze to be uniformly suspended, preventing precipitation and ensuring uniform composition of the glaze layer. In the production of architectural ceramic tile surfaces, adding CMC can prevent the glaze from stratifying.
02

Regulate rheological properties

CMC optimizes the viscosity of the glaze, making it easy to spray or dip, while reducing surface defects (such as pinholes and runny glaze). For example, when applying glaze to bathroom ceramics, CMC helps achieve a smooth and flawless surface effect.

Other key applications

01.

Enhance the strength of the raw clay body

The molecular chains of CMC are combined with ceramic particles, enhancing the mechanical strength of the green body and before sintering. It is suitable for large-sized or complex-shaped products. For example, in the production of ceramic insulators, CMC reduces the breakage rate before firing.
02

Environmental protection alternative solutions

As an excellent alternative for environmental protection, CMC can partially replace traditional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), reducing the emission of organic volatile compounds (VOCs). A ceramic factory has replaced 20% of PVA with CMC, thereby lowering the cost of meeting environmental compliance requirements.

In simple terms, rheological properties and thixotropic properties are important factors that affect the printing effect.