{"id":4415,"date":"2026-07-31T15:48:45","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T15:48:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/?p=4415"},"modified":"2026-09-11T07:10:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T07:10:19","slug":"cmc%e5%9c%a8%e7%ba%ba%e7%bb%87%e5%93%81%e4%b8%8a%e6%b5%86%e5%92%8c%e5%8d%b0%e8%8a%b1%e4%b8%ad%e7%9a%84%e5%ba%94%e7%94%a8-%e5%ae%9e%e7%94%a8%e5%ba%94%e7%94%a8%e6%8c%87%e5%8d%97","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fsxchemical.com\/fr\/blog\/cmc%e5%9c%a8%e7%ba%ba%e7%bb%87%e5%93%81%e4%b8%8a%e6%b5%86%e5%92%8c%e5%8d%b0%e8%8a%b1%e4%b8%ad%e7%9a%84%e5%ba%94%e7%94%a8-%e5%ae%9e%e7%94%a8%e5%ba%94%e7%94%a8%e6%8c%87%e5%8d%97\/","title":{"rendered":"CMC for Textile Sizing and Printing: DS, Viscosity and Grade Selection"},"content":{"rendered":"\\n

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) can be used in textile sizing and selected printing systems, but the correct grade depends on degree of substitution (DS), viscosity method, purity, salt tolerance and process chemistry<\/strong>. Reactive printing requires particular care: sodium alginate remains a common benchmark, while a purified or high-DS CMC grade or blend should be approved only after compatibility, color-yield and wash-off trials.<\/p>\\n\n\n\n

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Where CMC Fits in Textile Processing<\/h2>\\n\\n\\n
Demande<\/th>CMC role<\/th>Qualification priority<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Dimensionnement de la cha\u00eene<\/td>Film formation, adhesion and viscosity control<\/td>Yarn strength, abrasion, add-on and desizing<\/td><\/tr>
Impression pigmentaire<\/td>Rheology component in compatible binder systems<\/td>Binder compatibility, outline, handle and curing<\/td><\/tr>
Selected reactive printing systems<\/td>Possible high-DS or purified CMC\/blend after trials<\/td>Dye\/alkali\/salt compatibility, color yield and wash-off<\/td><\/tr>
Disperse or other printing systems<\/td>Grade and route dependent<\/td>Rheology, filtration, fixation and residue<\/td><\/tr>
Pr\u00e9traitement num\u00e9rique<\/td>Separate application\u2014not inferred from screen-printing grade<\/td>Jetting risk, filtration, coating uniformity and ink system<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\\n\\n\\n\n

CMC in Textile Sizing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How CMC Works as a Sizing Agent<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In warp sizing, yarn is coated with a sizing agent before weaving to reduce breakage caused by friction and mechanical stress on the loom. CMC forms a flexible, water-soluble film around the yarn surface that provides temporary protection during weaving without permanently altering the fiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compared to starch-based sizing agents, CMC is generally more uniform in film formation and easier to remove during desizing \u2014 an advantage in downstream processing, particularly where clean fabric is required before dyeing or finishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommended Viscosity Grades for Sizing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Viscosity is the primary parameter for sizing applications. Medium-viscosity CMC grades are most commonly used, as they provide adequate film strength without making the sizing bath too thick to apply evenly at standard loom speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\\n

Sizing concentration is process-specific. Establish the working solids from yarn count and blend, add-on target, loom conditions, desizing requirement and compatibility with starch or synthetic sizing agents; confirm performance in a controlled loom trial instead of applying a universal dosage.<\/p>\\n\n\n\n

Desizing and Washout Considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One practical advantage of CMC in sizing is its water solubility \u2014 it can be washed out with warm water without requiring enzymatic or chemical desizing agents, unlike some starch formulations. This simplifies the desizing step and reduces the risk of residual size affecting dye uptake in subsequent dyeing processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your downstream process involves reactive or vat dyeing, confirm with your supplier that the CMC grade you are using is fully water-soluble at your desizing temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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CMC in Textile Printing Paste<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Function as a Thickener in Paste Formulations<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In printing paste, CMC functions as a rheology modifier \u2014 it increases paste viscosity during preparation and controls how the paste flows through the screen and transfers onto the fabric. A well-formulated paste maintains its viscosity under the mechanical shear of screen printing but recovers quickly after the squeegee passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CMC-based paste is used primarily in pigment printing systems, and occasionally as a co-thickener in blended reactive dye formulations. For pure reactive dye printing on cotton, sodium alginate remains the more common choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommended DS Range for Printing Applications<\/h3>\n\n\n\\n

Do not specify one universal DS range for textile printing. DS affects solubility, electrolyte tolerance and interaction with dyes and auxiliaries; the appropriate value depends on the printing route and the supplier\u2019s grade design. FSX high-DS textile CMC grades, including DS 1.3 and 1.5 options, should be compared under the same paste recipe and test method.<\/p>\\n\n\n\\n

Higher DS can improve solubility and salt tolerance, but DS alone does not guarantee print performance. Purity, substitution uniformity, molecular-weight distribution and the full dye\/alkali\/electrolyte system also influence rheology, color yield and wash-off.<\/p>\\n\n\n\n

Compatibility with Pigment and Reactive Dye Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before using CMC in a new paste formulation, run a compatibility check with your binder, fixative, and any other auxiliaries in the recipe. Some combinations can cause viscosity instability or phase separation during storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\\n

Define paste holding time from the customer\u2019s actual temperature and recipe. Measure viscosity, homogeneity and print result at preparation and at the intended production intervals; do not assume a universal 24- or 48-hour stability claim.<\/p>\\n\n\n\n

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CMC in Textile Dyeing Auxiliaries<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Role as a Dispersant and Stabilizer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In dyeing processes, CMC can function as a dispersant that helps keep dye particles evenly distributed in the dye bath. This is particularly relevant in systems where dye aggregation or uneven dispersion can cause shade variation across the fabric.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\\n

CMC is not a primary dyeing auxiliary in every process. Any use in a dye bath should be treated as a customer-specific formulation question and evaluated for dye chemistry, electrolyte level, liquor flow, filtration and wash-off.<\/p>\\n\n\n\n

Application Method and Concentration Range<\/h3>\n\n\n\\n

Avoid a generic dye-bath dosage. Begin with the dye or machine supplier\u2019s validated process, then screen the CMC grade at laboratory scale and confirm that it does not impair leveling, filtration, shade or fastness.<\/p>\\n\n\n\n

If you are considering CMC as a dyeing auxiliary, request application guidelines from your supplier and run small-scale trials before adjusting your dye bath chemistry. The interaction between CMC and your specific dye system should be confirmed experimentally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Selecting the Right CMC Grade for Your Process<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Low vs. Medium vs. High Viscosity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CMC viscosity is measured as a percentage solution at a defined temperature \u2014 commonly 1% or 2% at 25\u00b0C. The appropriate viscosity grade depends on your application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n