Ethyl cellulose

Ethyl cellulose (CAS 9004-57-3), also known by its food designation E462, is a cellulose-derived thermoplastic polymer used as a film former, binder, and rheology modifier across pharmaceutical, coatings, and food applications. EC grades span a broad viscosity range, allowing formulators to tailor coating thickness, release profiles, and film integrity to specific process requirements. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, EC is the primary material for controlled-release tablet coatings.

It is frequently used for pellet encapsulation, where it regulates active ingredient dissolution rates. Solvent-based printing inks rely on EC resins to achieve fast-drying, abrasion-resistant films on flexible packaging substrates. Industrial coatings and adhesives use EC to build moisture-resistant barrier layers and improve hot-melt adhesion on paper, foil, and plastic surfaces. In food applications under E462, it functions as a glazing agent.

It also serves as a microencapsulation matrix for flavors and sensitive ingredients. Ethyl cellulose is supplied as a free-flowing white to off-white powder in standard viscosity grades ranging from 4 to 300 mPa·s. Pharmaceutical-grade material is available to USP, Ph. Eur., and BP specifications, while technical and food-grade versions serve industrial and E462-compliant applications.

Packaging typically ranges from multi-wall bags to fiber drums, with bulk options available for high-volume industrial buyers. This versatile polymer ensures consistent performance across diverse manufacturing sectors.