Product overview
Textile-grade sodium CMC is used for warp sizing and as a thickener in printing pastes. It forms flexible films that protect yarn during weaving and gives sharp, even prints.
Grades and specification
| Property | HV-1 | HV-2 | HV-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viscosity, 2% (mPa·s) | 300–600 | 800–1,200 | 800–1,200 |
| Purity, % | 72 | 72 | 90 |
| Degree of substitution | ≥ 0.65 | ≥ 0.65 | ≥ 0.80 |
| pH | 6–9 | 6–9 | 6–9 |
| Chloride (NaCl) | ≤ 15% | ≤ 7% | ≤ 1.8% |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 10% | ≤ 10% | ≤ 8% |
Values are from our current product data. Confirm the exact grade and limits with the TDS and the COA of the lot you test.
Applications
- Warp sizing: film forming and abrasion protection of yarn
- Printing pastes: thickening for sharp patterns
- Finishing: handle and drape
CMC in warp sizing
In weaving, warp yarns rub against the heddles and reed thousands of times. A size film protects them. CMC forms a flexible, water-soluble film that holds protruding fibres down and raises abrasion resistance. It is used alone on cotton and viscose or blended with starch and PVA. Because it is water-soluble, it is removed in a normal hot-water desizing step without enzymes.
CMC as a printing thickener
In printing pastes, CMC gives the viscosity needed for sharp outlines and even colour. Low-salt, high-purity grades such as HV-3 are preferred for reactive printing because salt can affect dye fixation and paste stability. CMC is often used as a lower-cost partial replacement for sodium alginate.
| Use | Grade | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| Warp sizing (cotton, viscose, blends) | HV-1, HV-2 | Film former, alone or with starch/PVA |
| Reactive and pigment printing | HV-3 | Thickener with low salt |
| Finishing | HV-1, HV-2 | Handle and stiffness |
How to choose a grade
HV-3 (higher purity, low salt) suits printing pastes where salt affects dyes; HV-1 and HV-2 are cost-effective for sizing.
Packing and documents
25 kg multi-wall paper bags with an inner PE liner. Other packing is agreed per order. TDS, SDS and a representative COA are available for every grade, and each lot ships with its COA. Request documents or a sample.
Download (2026 revision): Technical data sheet (TDS, PDF) · Safety data sheet (SDS, PDF)
Related products
Related guides
FAQ
Is CMC easy to remove after weaving?
Yes. CMC is water-soluble and is removed in normal desizing.
What does CMC stand for in textiles?
CMC is carboxymethyl cellulose, usually supplied as its sodium salt (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose).
CMC or PVA for sizing?
PVA gives a stronger film; CMC is easier to remove and more biodegradable. Many mills use blends to balance weaving efficiency and desizing.
Can CMC replace sodium alginate in printing?
Partly. Many printers replace part of the alginate with CMC; full replacement depends on the dye class and fabric, so test print first.