Eastman Cellulose Esters are bio-based polymers that are used as film formers, resin modifiers, and additives to formulate high performance products in a variety of industries. Improvements to formulations include reduce drying time, improve leveling, increase gloss, improve UV stability, and optimized pigment orientation in protective coatings and printing inks. These polymers vary in ester composition, hydroxyl content, and molecular weight. Ester composition and hydroxyl content effect solubility, flexibility, and reactivity. Molecular weight determines viscosity, solids used, and toughness. Choosing the correct grade for your application starts with selecting an ester type.
Cellulose Acetate (CA): These are the hardest and most durable of the Eastman Cellulose esters. They are excellent for forming protective lacquers that require solvent and grease resistance. They are also used to cast membranes for filtration applications. The compatibility of these products is limited and they are only soluble in strong solvents like acetone. Selection is based on molecular weight and viscosity.
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB): These are the most versatile of the Eastman Cellulose Esters and are commonly used in coating and ink formulations in a variety of industries. CAB's offer better solubility, resin compatibility, and flexibility than cellulose acetate. There are a wide variety of grades available that rage in butyrl content, hydroxyl content, and molecular weight. Selection of a CAB should be based on the solvents being used, the durability and flexibility requirements of the application, and molecular weight and viscosity.
Cellulose Acetate Propionate (CAP): These esters are an intermediate between CA and CAB. They resemble CA in their performance but also offer the improved solubility and compatibility of a CAB. CAPs are slightly harder than CABs and virtually odor free. They are often used in applications requiring high block and print resistance or if low odor is needed. Selection is based on solubility and molecular weight.
CAB-381-2 is a medium molecular weight mixed cellulose ester with moderate butyrate content. It is used as a film former, resin modifier, and additive in solvent-based inks and coatings.
CAB-500-5 is a medium molecular weight cellulose acetate polymer with high butyrate content. It is commonly used as a film former in coatings and inks.
CAB-381-0.5 is a mixed cellulose ester with low viscosity and medium butyryl content. It is used as a film-forming resin, a resin modifier, and an additive in solvent-based coatings and inks.
CAB-381-0.1 is a low molecular weight cellulose acetate butyrate polymer. It is used as a leveling aid in solvent based and UV curable inks and coatings.
Solus™ 2100 is a low molecular weight cellulose ester that is used as a film former and rheology control additive in high solids and UV curable coatings.
CAB-551-0.2 is a cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) resin with excellent compatibility. It is primarily a flow and leveling aid used in solvent-based and UV-curable coatings and inks.
CAB-531-1 is a cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) with high butyrate content. It is used as a film former in solvent-based coatings that require good flexibility.
CAB-551-0.01 is a low–molecular weight, cellulose acetate butyrate polymer. It is used as a film former and resin modifier in solvent and UV-curable coatings.
CAB-553-0.4 is a low molecular weight cellulose acetate butyrate polymer with high butyrate content and hyroxyl functionality. It is a film former used in coatings and inks that require alcohol solubility.
CA-398-6 is a low molecular weight cellulose acetate polymer. It is used in the manufacture of membranes and as a film former in lacquers and coatings.
CAB-171-15 is a high molecular weight mixed cellulose ester with low butyrate content. It is typically used as a film forming resin in a solvent-based coatings.
CAP-504-0.2 is a cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) with high hydroxyl functionality. It is commonly used as a film former in printing inks and nail polish.
CA-398-30 is a high molecular weight cellulose acetate polymer typically used as a membrane material and as a resin modifier for molded and extruded parts.
CAP-482-20 is a high–molecular weight cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). It is commonly used as a film former and resin modifier in inks, coatings, and nail polish.
Membrane Material M300 is a high purity cellulose triacetate polymer that is used in the manufacture of organic membranes for liquid and gas filtration.
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