Clearcel Cellulosics

Cellulosics are a relatively new departure for Chemcoloids and we are currently stocking a range of HEC and a food grade CMC. We represent leading manufacturers in both the Far East and Central America and can supply all types of Cellulosic material and with regular shipments from our manufacturers, we are able to group together shipments and therefore can competitively supply small quantities for specialist requirements.

CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose)

CMC is the most widely used Cellulosic and its functions include rheology control, thickening, suspension, moisture retention, film forming, binding, adhesion and protective colloid. It is suitable for food and industrial use and is made use of in paper and board making and recycling, water based paints, adhesive crack fillers, ceramic glazes and fountain solutions. It ranges in viscosity from virtually zero, which is primarily used in drinks to provide mouthfeel) to very high (~60,000CPS @ 2%). Generally CMC produces a very smooth syrup-like solution, compared to the more gelatinous solutions that Guar and Xanthan give. Chemcolloids carry a range of stock of food grades and have the ability to supply a much greater spectrum to cover any requirement a customer may have.

HEC (Hydroxyethyl Cellulose)

The primary uses of HEC are paints, cementitious materials, pigments and dyes, household cleaning and personal care products. It offers good rheology control and offers benefits such as thickening, flow control, levelling properties, anti spatter and in-can stability. It ranges in viscosity from 25 to 5000CPS ast 1% inclusion. We carry a full range of industrial grade HEC.

HPMC (Hydroxypropylmethyl Cellulose) MHEC (Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose) and MC (Methyl Cellulose)

This family of cellulosics have properties such as air entrapment, water retention, suspension, plasticising, thickening and stabilising in food applications, and are used in the construction industry in plasterboard, gypsum plaster, crack fillers, joint and filling compounds and grout to achieve similar properties. It is also used in mortar based products such as floor screeds, water based paints, wall paper paste and detergents.

Chemcolloids have matches for the brand names widely known throughout the food industry and up until now have been supplying these to order. We are now about to launch a limited stock range of HPMC and MC suitable for food use in order to service customers that take small quantities and part pallets, which will land in our stock during April. We will then look at expanding this range more fully, throughout 2010. More regular ordering will mean shorter lead times and improved service.

HPC (Hydroxypropyl Cellulose)

HPC is fully soluble in cold water and many polar organic solvents, and is an excellent fiolm former, stabiliser, rheology control substance and suspending agent. We are currently working closely with a manufacturer to develop an HPC range.