Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose ( SCMC ) Re - evaluated for Paper , Book , Papyrus , and Parchment Conservation © 2010

The cellulose ether, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC), has long been used in England as an all-purpose adhesive, consolidant, and sizing agent, while its conservation use in the United States has been limited. Compared to methylcellulose, it is a better adhesive, and in some conservation treatments, may be preferred to both methylcellulose and starch paste due to its unique properties. The recommended SCMC is Aqualon Cellulose Gum CMC 7H3SF PH—a pharmaceutical quality, high-viscosity-grade SCMC. Because of its long polymer chains, this particular SCMC is recommended as an adhesive and for delivering water as a “wet” poultice; it should not be used as a sizing agent or in any situation where the penetration of the cellulose ether is required. This SCMC is easy to make, store, and use by professional conservators in the treatment of paper and other related materials, e.g., papyrus and parchment. It is especially useful in situations where there are extensive repairs/reinforcement to be made and when bound-in book pages need to be treated, as well as for the relatively simple conservation of large, varnished, cloth-backed wall maps. Additionally, SCMC is particularly well-suited for use by non-conservators as an archival-quality adhesive.