The inhibitory effects of carboxymethyl inulin on the seeded growth of calcium carbonate

► We investigate the kinetics of precipitation of calcite (CaCO3) from aqueous solution in the presence of carboxymethyl inulin (CMI) by constant composition method. ► Carboxymethyl inulin at low concentration inhibits the crystal growth of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). ► The higher inhibition efficiency is related to the maximum surface charge density due to adsorbed polymer. ► The effect of CMI is related to the carboxyl groups and the concentration of the polymer.