Cellulose Ether Is One Of The Important Natural Polymer

Today the market for natural polymer in the U.S. is predominantly motivated by the increase in the requirement for non-petroleum-based and eco-friendly products. Moreover natural polymer market is becoming more popular because of its increasing demand for pharmaceutical applications such as excipients, binders, and fillers in directly compressed drugs, wound dressing, the treatment of arthritic-afflicted joints, and more. There are several restraints and opportunities faced by the industry in addition to some surfacing challenges. In 2014 there is a major possibility of an increase in revenues for companies dealing in these products.

Among the major natural polymer products you can include cellulose ether, starch and fermentation products, protein-based polymers, and other natural polymers. Cellulose ether has dominated the U.S. market in terms of demand and continues to do so in the preceding years. It has key applications in the areas of medicine, construction, food and beverage, cosmetics, and toiletries. Its derivatives have been used in diverse applications including food & beverages, drugs, cosmetics, personal care, construction, surface coatings, etc. Among these, the major market for medicinal use dominated the application market of natural polymers in terms of volume and revenue. Moreover, it is one of the rapidly growing application sectors followed by the oilfield market.

Cellulose gum (carboxymethyl cellulose or CMC) is a versatile, cost-effective, and easy-to-use thickening agent. It has several industrial applications and it is largely found in a range of products, including tobacco, paper, and yogurt. It is widely used in the food industry to thicken dairy products such as milk drinks, yogurts, and ice creams. It aids in stabilizing proteins in baked foods, syrups, and beverages; it is used mainly as it adds texture and mouth feel. It is also helpful in forming oil-resistant films and retaining moisture in industrial and processed food products.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), or cellulose gum, is used as a viscosity modifier, bulking agent, emulsifier, firming agent, gelling agent, glazing agent, humectant, stabilizer, and more.

One of the natural derivatives of cellulose that is soluble in water is Polyanionic Cellulose. It is a thickening agent, and stabilizer having to suspend properties. It is resistant to high temperatures and widely used in Oil Drilling fluids. It is more suitable for offshore drilling. The main functions of Polyanionic Cellulose in drilling fluid are commendable with several benefits. It has heat-resistant stability, salt tolerance, and strong antibacterial properties. The slurry or fluid prepared from the product has better fluid loss-reducing capability, inhibitory properties, and higher temperature tolerance.