Cellulose thickening agent

Cellulosics. CeUulosic adhesives are obtained by modification of cellulose [9004-34-6] (qv) which comes from cotton linters and wood pulp. Cellulose can be nitrated to provide cellulose nitrate [9004-70-0] which is soluble in organic solvents. When cellulose nitrate is dissolved in amyl acetate [628-63-7] for example, a general purpose solvent-based adhesive which is both waterproof and flexible is formed. Cellulose esterification leads to materials such as cellulose acetate [9004-35-7], which has been used as a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape backing. Cellulose can also be ethoxylated, providing hydroxyethylceUulose which is useful as a thickening agent for poly(vinyl acetate) emulsion adhesives. Etherification leads to materials such as methylceUulose [9004-67-5] which are soluble in water and can be modified with glyceral [56-81-5] to produce adhesives used as wallpaper paste (see Cellulose esters Cellulose ethers). 

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), a nonionic thickening agent, is prepared from alkali cellulose and ethylene oxide in the presence of isopropyl alcohol (46). HEC is used in drilling muds, but more commonly in completion fluids where its acid-degradable nature is advantageous. Magnesium oxide stabilizes the viscosity-building action of HEC in salt brines up to 135°C (47). HEC concentrations are ca 0.6—6 kg/m (0.2—21b/bbl). 

An example of the first type is the emulsion stabiliser as exemplified by sodium oleyl sulphate, cetyl pyridinium chloride and poly(ethylene oxide) derivatives. For a number of applications it is desirable that the latex be thickened before use, in which case thickening agents such as water-soluble cellulose ethers or certain alginates or methacrylates may be employed. Antifoams such as silicone oils are occasionally required. 

A number of water-soluble cellulose ethers are marketed." Methyl cellulose is prepared by a method similar to that used for ethyl cellulose. A degree of substitution of 1.6-1.8 is usual since the resultant ether is soluble in cold water but not in hot. It is used as a thickening agent and emulsifier in cosmetics, as a paper size, in pharmaceuticals, in ceramics and in leather tanning operations. 

For polyester, the washing-off process to remove unfixed dye and thickening agent is generally a reduction clear as described in section 12.6.6. A simple wash-off with nonionic surfactant must be used on cellulose acetate or triacetate, although a mild reduction clear may be preferable on triacetate. 

The addition of hydrocolloids (e.g. carrageenans, pectins or car-boxymethyl cellulose) as thickening agents will greatly increase the apparent viscosity of the product. The production of extracellular polysaccharides by certain bacteria will also increase the viscosity of milk products. 

Because only one valence of sulfur is occupied for ester formation, the product is acid. Cellulose sulfates are water soluble and can be used as thickening agents. 

Other types of admixtures used with calcium aluminate cements include water reducers and superplasticizers (Section 11.4), which also act as retarders, and thickening agents, such as carboxymethylcellulose. Complex formulations may be used for special purposes for example, a ready-mix mortar for high-performance road repair might contain 55% Ciment Fondu and 45% sand, with glass fibre, aluminium powder, Li2C03, sodium gluconate and methyl ethyl cellulose (M93). 

Carboxymethyl cellulose Usually prepared as the carboxylic salt of polycarboxymethyl ether of cellulose Dispersion of the free acid or its sodium salt is stable at a wide pH range (2-10) Thickening agent and tablet excipient... 

The preparation of the first starch acetate, as well as the first cellulose acetate, was announced by SchUtzenberger in 1865. These acetates were prepared by heating the carbohydrates in acetic anhydride to about 140-160 . Further examination of this reaction has been made by Traquair who found that on heating starch to 90° with acetic anhydride a derivative of low acetyl content (1-4%) is obtained which is capable of forming clear, somewhat elastic films. This starch acetate, termed Feculose, was produced commercially for a time, being sold for use as a thickening agent and as a size for textiles and paper. 

Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a nonionic, water-soluble polymer widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. It is primarily used as a thickening agent in ophthalmic and topical formulations, although it is also used as a binder and film-coating agent for tablets. It is present in lubricant preparations for dry eye, contact lens care, and dry mouth. ... 

Hydroxypropyl cellulose is also used in microencapsulation processes and as a thickening agent. In topical formulations, hydroxypropyl cellulose is used in transdermal patches and ophthalmic preparations. ... 

Scmi-synthctic and synthetic polymers are also used as thickening agents. Such are carboxymethyl cellulose [87,6] and polyacrylamide [73] respectively. 

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