HERCULES
P R O D U C T
D A T A
%
Hercules® Ethyl Cellulose A VERSATILE
FILM-FORMING
H
ERCULES ETHYL CELLULOSE is a cellulosic ether made by the reaction of ethyl chloride with alkali cellulose. During the reaction the substitution of ethoxyl groups is controlled to a commercially useful range of 44.5 to 49.0+% ethoxyl ( or 2.0 to 2.6 ethoxyl groups out of a theoretical maximum of 3.0). Over this ethoxyl range, Hercules Ethyl Cellulose is classified into four ethoxyl types and into a range of polymer viscosities for greatest ease of use. Product
Specifications
Ethoxyl contents and viscosity limits as given in Table I T y p i c a l P r o p e r t i e s of N - T y p e E t h y l C e l l u l o s e Density Bulking value in granular form, lb./gal. Bulking value in solution, gal./lb. Specific volume in solution, cu.in./lb. Hardness index, Sward, 3-mil film Refractive index Softening point, °C. Water vapor transmission, 3-mil film, g./sq.in./24 hr.· Moisture absorption, 24 hr. at 80% R.H., % Outstanding
1.14 2.6-2.8 0.099-0.104 23.9 52-61 1.47 152-162 890 2
Characteristics
CELLULOSE
T y p i c a l Uses Hercules Ethyl Cellulose imparts clarity, color stability, and toughness as a film-former in lacquers for paper, aluminum foil, wood, metals, and other materials; and contributes these same advantages plus extremely good low-temperature toughness in injection- and extrusionmolded plastics, hot-melts, and plastic coatings. Because of the unique solubility properties of G- and K-types in aromatic hydrocarbons, gel lacquers capable of producing high film builds are popular. The low softening point of ethyl cellulose N-type and its broad compatibility with oils and resins make it valuable in hot-melt adhesives, hot-melt transfer inks, and plastic peel. Ethyl cellulose plastics, usually G- and K-types, are noted for toughness and durability over wide environmental changes. For lacquers, Hercules Ethyl Cellulose N-type is the most widely used, although G- and Retypes are used in such applications as automotive ignition cable lacquers where hydrocarbon resistance is important. T-type is used where high tolerance for aliphatic hydrocarbons, by reason of cost or application conditions, is especially desired. Table I Ethoxyl and Viscosity Types of Hercules Ethyl Cellulose Ethoxyl Typest and Percent Contents
Viscosity* Types
White granular powder; readily soluble; gives transparent films of good color; unaffected by visible or ultraviolet light; transmits practically all visible light of spectrum; excellent retained flexibility over wide temperature range ( - 7 0 ° C . to + 1 5 0 ° C ) ; low order flammability; can be rendered flame retardant.
ETHER
Designation
Limits (cp.)
K-Type 45.5-46.8
N-Type 47.5-49.0
T-Type 49.0+
Soluble in esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, chlorinated solvents; in inexpensive solvent combinations; most useful are 70-90% aromatic hydrocarbons with 10-30% alcohols; high aliphatic hydrocarbon tolerance, particularly in T-type.
4 7 10 14 22 50 100 200 300 5000+
Compatible with nitrocellulose and a broad range of oils, plasticizers, and resins used as modifiers to improve hardness, gloss, adhesion, water resistance.
"Viscosity is run at 5% concn. by wt. and 25°C. Centipoises are determined in 80:20 toluene:ethanol by weight on sample dried 30 min. at lOO'C. tTypes now produced are designated by X. Blanks indicate no demand at present for the particular type; however, this does not mean that these types cannot be produced.
©
H E R C U L E S POWDER C O M P A N Y ,
3-5.5 6-8 8-11 12-16 18-24 40-52 80-105 150-250 250-350 >5000
G-Type 44.5-45.5 ™
— — — — X X — — —
— — X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X —
— X X X X _ —
1958
CELLULOSE PRODUCTS DEPARTMENT
·
HERCULES
POWDER
COMPANY
·
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
INCORPORATED Circle No. 22 on Readers' Service Card
VOL. 5 1 , NO. 11 ·
NOVEMBER 1959
45 A
