Cellulose Acetate Butyrate

Chemical properties

white granular crystalline powder

The Uses of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate

Contact lens material (hydrophobic).
Cellulose acetate butyrate is the most commonly used organic cel- lulose ester for coating applications.

The Uses of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate

Generally, an increase in butyryl content increases flexibility, moisture resistance, solubility and compatibility with resins; as the butyryl content increases, hardness, tensile strength and heat resistance decrease. Cellulose acetate-butyrate injection mouldings are particularly tough and are used for such applications as tabulator keys and tool handles; film is employed as a puncture-resistant packaging material. Cellulose acetate-butyrate is also used in lacquers for such items as cables, fabrics and furniture and in melt and strip coatings.

Preparation

Cellulose acetate-butyrate (CAB) is prepared in a manner similar to that described previously for cellulose acetate. Esterification is carried out using a mixture of acetic anhydride and butyric anhydride with sulphuric acid as catalyst and then the product is slightly hydrolysed. Depending on the reaction conditions, various products may be obtained; commercial materials generally have about 1-2 butyryl groups per glucose residue.

Industrial uses

Commonly called butyrate or CAB, it is somewhattougher and has lower moisture absorptionand a higher softening point than acetate.CAB is made by the esterification of cellulosewith acetic acid and butyric acid in the presenseof a catalyst. It is particularly valuedfor coatings, insulating types, varnishes, andlacquers.
Special formulations with good weatheringcharacteristics plus transparency are used foroutdoor applications such as signs, light globes,and lawn sprinklers. Clear sheets of butyrateare available for vacuum-forming applications.Other typical uses include transparent dial covers,television screen shields, tool handles, andtypewriter keys. Extruded pipe is used for electricconduits, pneumatic tubing, and low-pressurewaste lines. Cellulose acetate butyrate alsois used for cable coverings and coatings. It ismore soluble than cellulose acetate and moremiscible with gums. It forms durable and flexiblefilms. A liquid cellulose acetate butyrate isused for glossy lacquers, chemical-resistantfabric coatings, and wire-screen windows. Ittransmits ultraviolet light without yellowing orhazing and is weather-resistant.