Nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate are commonly used as film formers in nail polish formulations and coatings. These additives also ensure that coatings prevent visual defects by providing good leveling and flow properties, allowing for even coverage on nails. Nitrocellulose, however, can impart visual quality issues through its poor UV stability. This causes severe discoloration in most nail care products and is especially problematic in clear nail coats.
Tests were conducted to demonstrate the impact of yellowing from exposure to UV. The image on the left compares coatings formulated with cellulose acetate butyrate versus those formulated with nitrocellulose. These coatings were subjected to QUV accelerated weathering tests, which yielded significant yellowing in the nitrocellulose sample. The image on the right compares two solutions that were exposed to sunlight over six months. One solution was made with cellulose acetate butyrate, and the other was made with nitrocellulose. Again, the result indicated that solutions made with cellulose acetate butyrate remained clear and did not discolor due to UV exposure.
| Properties | Cellulose Esters | Nitrocellulose |
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| Chip Resistant Reduces cracking/chipping for longer lasting nails |
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| Fast Drying Reduces the possibility of streaking/smearing and improves wear resistance. Great for people on the go |
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| Excellent Clarity & Shine Keeps colors vibrant and won’t dull |
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| Non-Yellowing Prevents yellowing, increases vibrancy and gloss in UV curable formula |
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| Low-Flammability/Toxicity Because: Safer and easier to handle due to low flammability |
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| Storage Stability & Hazard Rating Allows safer storage and flexibility to buy in greater bulk |
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| Key Attribute | Grade Selection | Grade Example |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility |
Higher butyryl content |
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Solubility |
High butyryl or hydroxyl content |
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Reactivity |
Higher hydroxyl content |
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Toughness |
Higher viscosity |
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Hardness |
Lower butyryl or hydroxyl content |
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Chemical resistance |
Lower butyryl content |
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Moisture resistance |
Lower hydroxyl content |
Eastman Solus™ 2100 performance additive is the newest Cellulose Esters designed to meet lower VOC levels with lower solvent demand. Eastman Solus™ 2100 features very low viscosity make it suitable for UV/LED cure systems. It also improves dry-time and prevents yellowing similar to other CABs.
Click here to learn more about Eastman Solus™ 2100
Eastman cellulose acetate butyrates (CABs) are the solution to achieve a nail care formulation with superb visual quality, durability, and increased sustainability. These naturally derived cellulose-based polymers allow formulators to incorporate bio content into their formulations while gaining better control over gloss, leveling, durability, resistance to yellowing from UV exposure, and dry time. On top of this, cellulose acetate butyrate benefits workplace safety as it is much safer to handle than nitrocellulose. For more information or to request a sample of Eastman cellulose acetate butyrate or Solus™ 2100, click below.
Phone 425.372.9328
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