Ethyl Cellulose Films
Ethyl Cellulose films are known for their unique characteristics and advantages over other cellulosic films. Ethyl Cellulose films are tough and flexible and, when suitably plasticized, retain these characteristics even at temperatures as low as - 40°C. As temperatures are lowered, Ethyl Cellulose films do not embrittle as rapidly as the cellulose esters. Its low-temperature flexibility has made it a useful film for low temperature applications.
Ethyl cellulose films exhibit superior characteristics:
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excellent electrical resistance
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stong flexibilty and toughness at low temperatures
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low water absorption
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resistant to attack by alkali and dilute acids
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grainless and amorphous
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superior adhesive and self-sealing properties
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stability to heat and light
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resistance to light discoloration
Unlike the stability breakdown of cellulose nitrate, which is accompanied by acid decomposition products which promote further decomposition, Ethyl Cellulose, being an Ether rather than an Ester, processes notably superior heat resistance to cellulose nitrate.
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How It's Made
Ethyl cellulose film is made by solvent casting process from a solution onto a moving, continuous surface. It has relatively low water absorption and better toughness than cellulose acetate; however, since ethyl cellulose is not inherently moisture-vapor-proof, this property is added by incorporating in the formulation a moisture-vapor-resistant material, such as paraffin wax.