Polyanionic Cellulose (PAC) is a water-soluble, anionic cellulose ether derivative synthesized via chemical modification of natural cellulose. It is widely recognized for its excellent thickening, suspending, emulsifying, and water-retention properties, making it a key functional additive in oilfield, construction, paper, and other industrial sectors.

1. Chemical Identity

Chemical Name: Polyanionic Cellulose; Carboxymethyl Cellulose (anionic modified variant, differentiated from conventional CMC by higher substitution degree and specific functional groups)
Abbreviation: PAC
General Formula: C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH2COONa)y,(x+y=3)
y represents the substitution degree (DS), typically ranging from 0.8 to 1.5 for industrial-grade PAC
CAS Registry Number: 9004-32-4 (generic for anionic cellulose ethers; specific grades may have customized registration numbers)

2.Industrial Applications

PAC’s unique performance makes it indispensable in the following sectors:
Oil & Gas Drilling (Primary Application): Serves as a key additive in water-based drilling fluids, completion fluids, and fracturing fluids. Functions include filtration control (reducing fluid loss into formations), shale inhibition (preventing wellbore collapse), and viscosity stabilization under high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) conditions.
Construction Industry: Used in cement mortars, tile adhesives, and self-leveling concretes as a water retention agent and workability improver, preventing premature drying and cracking of building materials.
Paper Industry: Acts as a thickener for paper coatings and surface sizing agent, improving paper smoothness, printability, and tensile strength.
Food Industry (Food-grade PAC): Approved as a food additive (E466) for thickening beverages, dairy products, and processed foods; enhances texture and prevents sedimentation of solid ingredients.
Personal Care & Cosmetics: Applied in shampoos, lotions, and toothpastes as a thickener and emulsifier, stabilizing product consistency and improving spreadability.