Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is commonly used in the ceramic industry for various applications due to its unique properties. Here’s how CMC is utilized in the ceramic industry:

1. Binder:

CMC serves as a binder in ceramic formulations, helping to hold together the raw materials during shaping and forming processes. It improves the plasticity and workability of ceramic bodies, allowing for easier molding, extrusion, and shaping of the clay mixture.

2. Plasticizer:

CMC acts as a plasticizer in ceramic pastes and slurries, enhancing their flexibility and cohesiveness. It improves the rheological properties of the ceramic suspension, reducing viscosity and facilitating the flow of the material during casting, slip casting, and spraying processes.

3. Suspension Agent:

CMC acts as a suspension agent in ceramic slurries, preventing settling and sedimentation of solid particles during storage and handling. It helps to maintain the stability and uniformity of the ceramic suspension, ensuring consistent properties and performance in subsequent processing steps.

4. Deflocculant:

CMC can function as a deflocculant in ceramic suspensions, dispersing and stabilizing the fine particles to prevent agglomeration and improve fluidity. It reduces the viscosity of the ceramic slurry, allowing for better flow and coverage on molds and substrates.

5. Green Strength Enhancer:

CMC improves the green strength of ceramic bodies, allowing them to withstand handling and transportation before firing. It enhances the cohesion and integrity of the unfired ceramic material, reducing the risk of deformation, cracking, or breakage during drying and handling.

6. Glaze Additive:

CMC is sometimes added to ceramic glazes to improve their adhesion, flow, and brushability. It acts as a rheology modifier, enhancing the thixotropic properties of the glaze and ensuring smooth and uniform application on the ceramic surface.

7. Binder Burnout:

In ceramic processing, CMC serves as a binder that burns out during firing, leaving behind a porous structure in the ceramic material. This porous structure promotes uniform shrinkage and reduces the risk of warping or cracking during firing, resulting in high-quality finished ceramic products.

8. Green Machining Aid:

CMC can be used as a green machining aid in ceramic processing, providing lubrication and reducing friction during shaping, cutting, and machining of unfired ceramic components. It improves the machinability of the ceramic material, allowing for precise shaping and finishing.

In summary, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) finds widespread use in the ceramic industry for its roles as a binder, plasticizer, suspension agent, deflocculant, green strength enhancer, glaze additive, binder burnout agent, and green machining aid. Its versatile properties contribute to the efficiency, quality, and performance of ceramic processing, shaping, and finishing processes, resulting in high-quality ceramic products for various applications.