Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some common uses:

1. **Food Industry:**
   - **Thickener and Stabilizer:** CMC is widely used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in the food industry. It can improve the texture, viscosity, and mouthfeel of a wide range of food products, including sauces, dressings, dairy products, and baked goods.
   - **Emulsifier:** CMC can also act as an emulsifier, helping to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in products like salad dressings and ice cream.
   - **Binder:** In food processing, CMC can serve as a binder to improve the cohesion and texture of meat products, such as sausages and burgers.

2. **Pharmaceuticals:**
   - **Tablet Binder:** CMC is commonly used as a binder in pharmaceutical tablet formulations. It helps hold the ingredients together and ensures uniformity in the tablet's structure.
   - **Suspending Agent:** CMC can also function as a suspending agent in liquid medications, preventing solid particles from settling and ensuring uniform distribution.

3. **Personal Care Products:**
   - **Thickener and Stabilizer:** CMC is used in personal care products, such as lotions, creams, and shampoos, as a thickening agent and stabilizer. It improves product consistency and enhances the overall sensory experience.
   - **Film Former:** In some cosmetics and personal care formulations, CMC may be used as a film-forming agent to create a protective barrier on the skin or hair.

4. **Paper Industry:**
   - **Paper Coating:** CMC is added to paper coatings to improve the paper's surface properties, such as smoothness, printability, and ink absorption. It also enhances the paper's strength and reduces dusting during printing.

5. **Textile Industry:**
   - **Textile Sizing:** CMC is used in textile sizing formulations to improve the adhesion of sizing agents to the fibers, reduce breakage during weaving, and improve the fabric's quality.
   - **Printing Paste:** CMC is also used in textile printing pastes to control the viscosity and improve the sharpness of printed designs.

6. **Oil Drilling Fluids:**
   - **Viscosifier and Fluid Loss Control Agent:** In the oil and gas industry, CMC is used as a viscosifier and fluid loss control agent in drilling fluids. It helps maintain the desired viscosity of the drilling fluid and reduces fluid loss into the formation.

7. **Detergents and Cleaning Products:**
   - **Thickener:** CMC is added to detergents and cleaning products as a thickening agent, enhancing their viscosity and improving their performance in adhering to surfaces and removing dirt and grease.

These are just some of the many applications of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Its versatility, safety, and effectiveness make it a widely used additive in various industries. The specific grade and dosage of CMC used depend on the application and desired properties of the final product.