Cellulose Acetate

Cellulose acetate is reacted from cellulose and acetic anhydride, in condition of catalyst and other additives. With acetic acid as solvent, the process is basically heterogeneous.

Degree of substitution (DS): DAC (diacetate) DS 2.2–2.5, TAC (triacetate) DS >2.7.

✓ PUSH acetati can produce various grades with different viscosity/DP, DS, clarity to meet individual requirements.

Fig.1 Molecular structure of cellulose acetate Cellulose acetate molecular structure

The repeating unit of cellulose acetate – acetyl groups highlighted

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Made with nature

Cellulose acetate is an eco‑friendly material from well‑managed forests, conscientiously harvested and replanted. The process is optimized towards reducing environmental impact by recovering and reusing solvent, water and energy.

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Biodegradability

Much more biodegradable than PBAT and PLA. Degradation in two steps:

  1. Removal of acetyl groups
  2. Breakdown of the remaining cellulosic structures

💧 Solubility of cellulose acetate

Solubility depends on DS and substituent distribution. Higher combined acetic acid → poorer solubility.

Type
Chemical
Solubility
Esters
Ethyl acetate
〇
Esters
Butyl acetate
X
Esters
Ethyl lactate
〇
Esters
2-Ethoxyethyl acetate
〇
Ketones
Acetone
〇
Ketones
Methyl ethyl ketone
〇
Ketones
Methyl isobutyl ketone
X
Ketones
Cyclohexanone
〇
Cyclic ethers
1,4-Dioxane
〇
Cyclic ethers
Tetrahydrofuran
〇
Glycols
Ethylene glycol
X
Glycols
Ethylene glycol acetate
X
Glycols
Hexylene glycol
X
Type
Chemical
Solubility
Aliphatics
Hexane, Heptane
X
Aliphatics
Cyclohexane
X
Alcohols
Ethanol
X
Alcohols
Iso-Propanol
X
Alcohols
Diacetone alcohol
X
Alcohols
2-Methoxyethanol
X
Others
Dimethyl formamide
〇
Others
Dimethyl sulfoxide
〇
Others
Methylene chloride
〇
Others
Chloroform
〇
Others
1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone
〇
Mixtures
Ethyl acetate/Ethanol 75/25
〇
Mixtures
Ethyl acetate/Ethanol 50/50
X
Mixtures
Ethyl acetate/Ethanol 30/70
X
Aromatics
Toluene, xylene
X

Note: 〇 soluble, Χ insoluble

🧪 The application of cellulose acetate

From cigarette filters to LCD films, from tool handles to drug delivery — cellulose acetate is everywhere around us.

🚬 cigarette tow 👓 eyewear frames 🖥️ LCD films 🛠️ tool handles 💊 drug delivery

Why PUSH Acetati?

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Italian Heritage

70+ years cellulose expertise

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Full Portfolio

flakes, compounds, micropowders

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Customization

DS, viscosity, transmittance

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Certified

ISCC PLUS · FSC · PEFC

Need Cellulose Acetate Solution?

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