CMC is a cellulose ether made from dissolving pulps, i.e pulps which consist mainly of cellulose, and where the hemicellulose content is very low; much lower than for conventional paper pulps. CMC has been produced commercially since the 1920's and its commercial value has varied during the 20th century but it is now increasing due to the high interest in both so called green chemicals and the "Biorefinery" concept. In the wood-based Biorefinery all the product streams and the generated energy will be used in an optimum way and increased production of CMC is one alternative. CMC has a very broad use in a number of products such as detergents, toothpaste, food, etc where especially its ability to influence the rheological properties of water solutions is desirable. This paper discusses some important results for CMC preparation and proposes some mechanistic aspects in its formation as well as some important properties for high reactivity.
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