The performance of an ink plays a vital role in the overall quality of flexible packaging. Increased consumer spending in North America has led to a demand for packaging of superior quality. Eastman™ Cellulose Esters give ink formulators the tools necessary to produce top quality inks for the rapidly expanding packaging market.
Why use Eastman™ Cellulose Esters? The Difference is Clear
- Better adhesion to packaging films
- Excellent cold-crack and heat resistance
- Resistance to grease
- Outstanding flow, leveling, & wetting
- Fewer surface defects
- Improved gloss
- Better UV resistance (non-yellowing)
- Excellent pigment orientation
- Faster solvent release
- Improved blocking performance
- Better intercoat adhesion
- Increased print speeds
Improved Performance
Enhanced Appearance
Increased Productivity
Formulating with Eastman™ Cellulose Esters
Eastman™ CAB and CAP can be used in inks for a variety of printing operations including gravure, flexographic, offset, and ink jet. They are compatible with most common solvents and acrylic monomers and provide a much safer option for a letdown vehicle, co-resin, or additive than traditional nitrocellulose. Many grades of Eastman™ CAB and CAP are compliant with Swiss Ordinance on Materials & articles in Contact with Food (SR 817.023.21). See the table below for grades recommended for food safe printing inks.
| Product | Acetyl Content (wt%) | Butyryl Content (wt%) | Propionyl Content (wt%) | Hydroxyl Content (wt%) | Tg (°C) | Molecular Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAB-381-0.1 | 0.6 | 37.0 | - | 1.3 | 123 | 20,000 |
| CAB-381-0.5 | 13.0 | 38.0 | - | 1.3 | 130 | 30,000 |
| CAB-381-2 | 13.5 | 38.0 | - | 1.3 | 133 | 40,000 |
| CAB-551-0.01 | 13.5 | 53.0 | - | 1.5 | 85 | 16,000 |
| CAB-551-0.2 | 2.0 | 52.0 | - | 1.8 | 101 | 30,000 |
| CAP-482-0.5 | 2.0 | - | 45.0 | 2.6 | 142 | 25,000 |
| CAP-504-0.2 | 2.5 | - | 42.5 | 5 | 159 | 15,000 |