Cellulose acetate

Cellulose acetate (CAS 9004-35-7), also supplied as cellulose triacetate (CTA), is an acetylated biopolymer derived from natural cellulose.

Where is Cellulose acetate used?

• Textiles: base polymer for acetate fiber spun into filament yarns for linings, blouses and luxury apparel with silk-like drape
• Tobacco: crimped tow processed into acetate filter rods
• Plastics and packaging: compounded into injection-molded or extruded sheet products such as eyeglass frames, tool handles and transparent graphic-arts film
• Membranes: cast into reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration membranes for water treatment and dialysis equipment
• It functions as a film-forming resin and fiber-forming polymer for shaped, extruded or cast end products.
• Self-adhesive tapes made of glass fabric, cellulose acetate fabric or cellulose acetate-cotton blended fabric for electrical applications are specified in DIN EN 60454-3-8.
• Used for biosensor encapsulation.
• Used in osmotic pump-type systems due to its ability to form semipermeable membranes, thus not requiring a mechanical hole to be drilled.
• Granules are used for cosmetic packaging, clothing accessories, and costume jewelry.

Formulation notes

• Lamination or welding is usually done using pure acetone, not acetone for nail polish which contains emollients.
• Resists citric acid 10% solution, lactic acid 10% solution, glycerin, mineral oil, water and sodium chloride saturated solution.
• Has no resistance to acetone, which melts it.

Typical specification

• Acetyl content of 29-45%.
• DIN 7742-1 covers classification and designation of cellulose ester (CA, CP, CAB) moulding compounds.
• Standard formula sheet has a tensile strength at yield of 26.2 MPa (ASTM D 638).
• Standard and M49 formulations have a glass transition temperature of 95°C and a suggested thermoforming temperature of 110°C.

Regulatory status

• Film and sheet from this supplier are REACH and RoHS compliant.
• Classified as a combustible dust under NFPA 499 for hazardous (classified) locations in chemical process areas.
• Classified as not hazardous to water (WGK Germany nwg).

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.