Polyanionic Cellulose (PAC), also known as anionic cellulose, is a chemically modified derivative of cellulose through anionic chemical modification. It is a powdery or granular substance with excellent water solubility and thickening properties. Due to its unique chemical structure, PAC performs remarkably well in various industrial applications, especially in the fields of oil well drilling, textiles, ceramics, and chemicals.
1. Physical and Chemical Properties
- Appearance: White or off-white powder/granules
- Chemical Formula: [C6H7O2(OH)2OCH2COONa]n (similar to ordinary cellulose)
- Solubility: Rapidly soluble in water, forming colloidal solutions
- Stability: Resistant to acidity and alkalinity, maintaining stability and thickening effect under certain temperature and chemical changes
2. Key Features and Applications
2.1 Key Features
- High Water Solubility: PAC exhibits excellent water solubility, quickly forming colloidal solutions in water, resulting in a significant thickening effect.
- Good Thickening Ability: Due to its long-chain molecular structure, PAC acts as an efficient thickener, providing thickening and adhesive properties in various liquid systems.
- Excellent Salt Resistance: PAC maintains good stability and thickening performance even in high salinity environments.
2.2 Applications
- Oil Well Drilling Fluids: PAC is commonly used as an essential component in oil well drilling fluids to adjust viscosity and stability, preventing issues like formation collapse and mud thinning.
- Textile Industry: PAC serves as a dispersant and thickener in textile dyeing and printing, enhancing dyeing effects and increasing the viscosity of dye pastes.
- Ceramics: Using PAC in ceramic slurries improves stability, enhances molding performance, and prevents water separation and precipitation.
- Chemical Industry: PAC is utilized as a thickener and emulsifier in chemical products, providing thickening, emulsifying, and gelling effects in liquid systems.
3. Safety
Polyanionic Cellulose is generally considered a relatively safe chemical; however, it is essential to follow the relevant safety measures during usage to avoid inhalation of dust and skin contact. Please refer to the product safety data sheet and operating manuals when handling PAC and follow the established safety protocols.
