Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Polymer - Material Information

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) is a thermoplastic polymer derived from natural cellulose by esterification with acetic and butyric acids. Known for its excellent clarity, flexibility, and weather resistance, CAB is used extensively in coatings, films, and adhesives where transparency, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability are important.

Material Overview

CAB exhibits a high glass transition temperature (~132 °C), making it suitable for applications requiring heat resistance. Its amorphous structure imparts excellent optical transparency and good mechanical properties. CAB is soluble in a wide range of solvents, offering versatility in formulation. When used in blends, it enhances thermal stability, tensile strength, and water resistance. It also serves effectively as a polymer binder in conductive pastes, owing to its low viscosity and good film-forming capability.

Applications and Advantages

CAB is widely used in high-performance coatings, especially where UV resistance and gloss retention are critical. In electronics, its electrical insulation properties make it valuable for dielectric films. As a polymer binder, CAB facilitates uniform dispersion of conductive fillers and contributes to flexible, durable coatings. In biodegradable polymer blends, it enhances transparency, mechanical integrity, and thermal resistance, expanding its use in eco-friendly packaging.

Goodfellow Availability

Goodfellow supplies Cellulose Acetate Butyrate in high-purity formats, tailored to meet the demands of advanced coatings, electronics, and research applications. Available in various forms and molecular weights to match custom processing requirements.

Explore Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) - Material Information and other advanced materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.

References

• Xing, C. et al. (2013). *Mechanical and thermal properties of eco-friendly poly(propylene carbonate)/CAB blends*. Carbohydrate Polymers.
• Kim, T.-H. (2007). *Novel Conductive Paste based on Cellulose Acetate Butyrate*. Journal of the Korean Chemical Society.
• Kwon, Y.R. et al. (2022). *Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Chain-Extended Polyurethanes with CAB*. Polymers.