PROCTER & GAMBLE FABRIC & HOME CARE

Supersedes: GCAS 95325221 GCAS: 95325221 issue 4

issue 3 RAW MATERIAL PLANT INSTRUCTION Page: 1 of 2
*** RESTRICTED ***
Date: May 2022

CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE SODIUM SALT (CMC)

OBJECTIVE
This standard covers the storage and handling of the materials listed above. The information here within is important and should
be followed for reasons of safety and quality. This standard applies to any P&G site using the materials listed above.
For safety specifics and detailed chemical behaviour of the material, the appropriate supplier’s MSDS (Material Safety Data
Sheet) should be referred to.
This standard serves to form the basis for more detailed plant specific standard operating procedures and manufacturing standards.

MATERIAL DESCRIPTION
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Sodium Salt is supplied as a white to off-white free flowing powder or yellowish colour free
flowing granule. The activity of the material depends upon the Raw Material Specification and can be between the ranges of 65%
- 98% active CMC sodium salt. The remaining composition is made up of Sodium Chloride, Sodium Glycolate and Water as by-
products of the production process:

• CMC is produced from cellulose and monochloroacetic acid (MCA) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the third
essential ingredient.
• Cellulose is mixed with alcohol and NaOH to form alkali cellulose. The alkali cellulose is accessible and reactive
towards MCA in the etherification step. MCA introduces carboxymethyl groups along the cellulose chain, which results
in water solubility of carboxyl methyl cellulose end product.

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) - similar structure to natural cellulose. CMC deposits onto cotton surfaces and increases the
surface charge density, which reduces (repels) soil deposition.

CH2OR RO
OR
RO O
O
OR O
CH2OR

_
R = H or CH2COO
MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS
To note, the following are typical characteristics. If in any doubt or for more specific information, the relevant supplier should be
contacted.
Physical State (at RT) Solid (powder or granulate)
Colour White to off white (yellowish)
Odour Odourless
pH 6-11 (1% solution)
Boiling point/boiling range NA
Flash Point NA
Explosive properties Dust explosion hazard (Class ST1)
Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) >1000 mJ *
Dust Explosion characteristics (Kst) <200 bar m/s *
Maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) 9 bar *
Minimum Ignition temperature 360°C *
Relative Density Approx 1.6 kg/dm3
Bulk Density 400 - 880 kg/m3
Water solubility In all proportions to colloidal solution, cold and warm.
Decomposition temperature 240°C
Stability Stable under recommended storage conditions. Hazardous
polymerisation does not occur.

Reactivity
- Conditions to avoid Avoid dust formation.
- Material to avoid Avoid strong oxidising agents
Micro susceptibility Not micro susceptible (see RMS basis page)
*Explosion risk data from CEFIC report for Cellulose Ethers – data for CMC and CMC Technical grades.

Changes to this issue: Update CP Kelko to Nouryon and addition of Shelf Life info for Low Visco CMC

Originator: Theresa Function: Materials Location: NIC

Business Use - P&G AUTHORIZED 95325221 Rev 004 Effective Date 2022-06-22 Printed 2023-04-19 Page 1 of 2
 PROCTER & GAMBLE FABRIC & HOME CARE
Supersedes: GCAS 95325221 GCAS: 95325221 issue 4
issue 3 RAW MATERIAL PLANT INSTRUCTION Page: 2 of 2
*** RESTRICTED ***
Date: May 2022

CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE SODIUM SALT (CMC)

STORAGE & HANDLING
Unloading
CMC is typically received in anti-static big bags 1000kg in weight. CMC is generally not handled via a bulk system. For non-
granular CMC, conical bottom big bags are recommended to assist flow. Flat bottom bags with spout can be used for granular
CMC. Smaller paper sacks (20-30kg) with PE lining are also acceptable type of packaging where it is required – it is
recommended that if smaller bags are used they are palletised and shrink wrapped. Extra care must be taken when unloading from
smaller paper sacks to ensure no contamination or foreign objects make their way into the process e.g. knives, jewellery.
Material of Construction
No specific requirements

Material Temperature
Recommended storage temperature- <25°C
Maximum storage temperature - 40°C
(Based on advice from Nouryon - CMC manufacturer and supplier)

Heating System
Not applicable

Transfer / Addition to Process

• Avoid dust formation. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation in places where dust is formed.
• Avoid conditions that generate airborne dust in handling, transfer and clean up - If inhaled the hygroscopic properties of
the material can form a paste or gel in the airway.
• Product may form combustible dust-air mixtures.
• Slip hazard when spilled material becomes wet.
• Keep away from heat, flame sparks and other ignition sources.
• Avoid emptying package in or near flammable vapours. Static charges may cause flash fire.

Transfer time, feeder addition rate, output and variability is measured by each plant as required and in line with standard
procedures.

Protection from Environment

• Dry storage recommended in original packaging.
• Protect from rain and water spattering on bags.
• Once bag is opened it should then be tightly closed as due to Hygroscopic properties of the material, contact with
moisture will affect moisture content of the material.

(Based on advice from Nouryon - CMC manufacturer and supplier. Supplier unable to give specific value on maximum humidity)

• Exposure to moisture may cause caking and lumping of the material.

• If lumping has occurred, screen the material through a 2500 micron sieve.
• CMC must be stored indoors and away from strong odours such as perfume or perfumed products.

Line Clearance
No specific requirements

Container Handling
Big bags of CMC may not be stacked on top of each other as this increases risk of caking and lumping (unless they are smaller
paper sacks)

Shelf-life
Stable for 1 year if kept under recommended storage conditions with the exception of Nouryon Low Viscosity CMC GCAS:
91160322, where data is provided for a shelf life of 2 years. See specific data in supporting files in RMPI in Enovia.

Changes to this issue: Update CP Kelko to Nouryon and addition of Shelf Life info for Low Visco CMC

Originator: Theresa Function: Materials Location: NIC

Business Use - P&G AUTHORIZED 95325221 Rev 004 Effective Date 2022-06-22 Printed 2023-04-19 Page 2 of 2