Ethylcellulose ET 200

Description

Ethyl cellulose is a highly versatile polymer prized for creating transparent layers with excellent color stability. It remains unaffected by both visible and ultraviolet light, allowing for the transmission of a full light spectrum. Structurally, it offers exceptional flexibility across a broad thermal range—from -70°C to 150°C—and features low flammability, even serving as an effective flame retardant.

The material is soluble in esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. For an economical and consistent solution, a blend of 70–90% aromatic hydrocarbons and 10–30% alcohol is recommended. Specifically, ethyl cellulose dissolves best in a mixture consisting of one part alcohol to four parts aromatics. While it is insoluble in water or aromatics-free gasoline, it remains partially soluble or swellable in pure alcohol or acetone.

Ethyl cellulose is compatible with nitrocellulose as well as a wide variety of oils, plasticizers, and resins. These modifiers are frequently used to enhance hardness, gloss, adhesion, and water resistance. Because it produces such clarity, firmness, and color stability, it is an ideal choice for sheet media, food coatings, and plastic laminations across diverse substrates. In particular, the ET 200 grade is optimized for casting highly transparent and flexible films.