ETHOCEL™ Solvent-Soluble Polymers

ETHOCEL™ ethylcellulose polymers are versatile organosoluble polymers derived from natural wood and cellulosic materials. They are prepared by treating wood pulp with sodium hydroxide to form alkali cellulose, then treating that with ethyl chloride to create ethylcellulose. Most grades contain approximately 48%–49.5% ethoxyl content. ETHOCEL™ polymers are primarily used as binders, film formers, and rheology modifiers for solvent-based systems. Since ETHOCEL™ is not water soluble, it is also suitable for barrier coating applications that require water resistance.
 

In solvent-based ink applications, ETHOCEL™ functions as a pseudoplastic rheology modifier and binder to form films with increased adhesion, excellent flexibility, high gloss, and good durability. It also decreases ink drying times and serves as a dispersing agent for pigments. This makes it ideal for ink formulations used in food packaging, where visual appearance and fast production speeds are of the utmost importance.
 

ETHOCEL™ polymers are also thermoplastic, making them ideal additives for hot-melt coating and adhesive formulations. Here, they contribute added strength and exhibit compatibility with many polymers and plasticizers. Since ethylcellulose films provide water repellence and feature low water vapor transmission rates, ETHOCEL™ is an ideal choice for waterproofing coating and paper coating applications. Films made with ETHOCEL™ are also inert to attack by aqueous alkali even when highly concentrated and at high temperatures. Thus, they have excellent chemical resistance.
 

ETHOCEL™ may also be used for ceramic applications as a binder to improve green strength prior to firing. It burns out cleanly with low ash content, providing higher efficiency and shape retention to the complex ceramic manufacturing process.
 

ETHOCEL™ ethylcellulose is completely soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, monohydric alcohols, glycol ethers, and ketones. It is also moderately soluble in acetates, esters, alkyl ethers, naphtha, and turpentine.

Out of specification viscosity that leads to rejection and failure of solvent based formulations