New carboxymethyl cellulose tosylate with low biodeterioration

Microbial biodegradation and biodeterioration of cellulose based thickeners is a serious problem in industry. A new tosylic ester of carboxymethyl cellulose (TsCMC) was prepared with anhydride of p-toluensulphonic acid. The TsCMC has improved rheological properties, higher viscosity and pseudoplasticity, superior emulsification properties and decreased wettability compared to parental CMC. The biodeterioration of TsCMC was significantly reduced compared to parental CMC or other commercially used modified cellulose thickeners in water based paint industry. Improved rheological properties combined with low biodeterioration make TsCMC a promising new material for industrial applications with a potential to reduce the use of hazardous antimicrobial agents. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.