LB-B Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)

LB-B Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is a battery-grade, water-soluble polymer widely used in lithium-ion battery anode slurry preparation as a thickening agent, dispersant, and binder. In aqueous processing, CMC increases slurry viscosity and helps keep active materials (e.g., graphite or silicon-based powders) uniformly suspended, reducing sedimentation and improving coating consistency.

Working mechanism in anode slurries

CMC contains anionic carboxymethyl groups that hydrate in water, forming a polymer network that:

• Controls rheology (stable viscosity for mixing, pumping, and coating)
• Improves particle dispersion and reduces agglomeration
• Enhances adhesion between active material/carbon and the current collector
• Supports mechanical integrity during drying and cycling (often used with SBR latex)
  
  

Key specifications (typical)

• Appearance: White powder
• Viscosity (2% aqueous solution): 7000–10000 mPa·s
• Purity: ≥ 99.5%
• Water content: ≤ 10%
• Degree of substitution: 0.6–0.9
• pH: 6.0–8.5
• Trace metals (Pb/Fe/As): Controlled to low-ppm limits for battery use
  
  

Compatibility & applications

• Water-based anode systems: graphite, hard carbon, Si/graphite composites
• Typical role: anti-precipitation + thickening + binder support
• Suitable for R&D through pilot-scale electrode coating workflows
  
  

Why source via ScienceGears

ScienceGears supports AU/NZ researchers with battery consumables plus the broader workflow—battery cyclers, potentiostats for electrochemical diagnostics, and in-situ spectroscopy/electrochemistry tools—so you can validate slurry-to-cell performance with confidence.