Polyanionic cellulose (PAC) is is a kind of nonionic cellulose ether, it is a water-soluble polymer that is derived from refined cotton, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. PAC is a high molecular weight polymer that is made by modifying cellulose with anionic groups, such as carboxymethyl or sulfonate groups.
PAC has a variety of uses, including as a thickening agent and stabilizer in a wide range of industrial applications. It is commonly used in the oil and gas industry as a drilling fluid additive to improve the rheological properties of the fluid and prevent fluid loss during drilling acting as excellent fluid filtration reducer.
CMC and PAC are both commonly used as additives in various industries, but they have different properties and uses.
CMC, or Sodium Carboxymethyl cellulose, is a water-soluble cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose. It is commonly used as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in food products, such as ice cream, salad dressings, and baked goods, as well as in various industrial applications, such as paper coatings, oil drilling fluids, and detergents. CMC can also be used as a dietary fiber supplement due to its ability to absorb water.
PAC, or Polyanionic cellulose, is a water-soluble derivative of cellulose that is chemically modified with anionic groups. PAC is mainly used in the oil and gas industry as a thickening agent and filtration control additive for drilling muds, which are fluids used to lubricate and cool the drill bit during drilling operations. PAC helps to increase the viscosity of the drilling mud, which helps to carry drill cuttings to the surface and to prevent the collapse of boreholes.
In summary, while both CMC and PAC are water-soluble cellulose derivatives, they have different properties and uses. CMC is mainly used as a thickener and stabilizer in food and industrial applications, while PAC is primarily used as a thickening agent and filtration control additive for drilling muds in the oil and gas industry.
PAC is highly soluble in water, making it easy to use in aqueous formulations.
PAC is stable under a wide range of pH conditions and can withstand high temperatures without breaking down.
PAC has excellent rheological properties, including high viscosity and shear thinning behavior, making it an effective thickener and suspending agent in many applications.
PAC is often used as a filtration control agent in drilling fluids to reduce fluid loss and maintain wellbore stability.
PAC is a biodegradable and non-toxic polymer, making it a safer alternative to other chemical additives in many applications.
PAC is compatible with a wide range of other additives, making it easy to incorporate into various formulations and applications.