Chemical Properties
Ethyl cellulose is a white or light gray fluid powder, odorless and tasteless, with thermoplastic properties.
Softening point: 135-155℃
False specific gravity: 0.3-0.4 g/cm³
Relative density: 1.07-1.18
Melting point: 165-185℃
Solubility: Insoluble in water, but soluble in toluene, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, turpentine alcohol, and various organic solvents.
Thermal stability: Excellent
Ash content: Extremely low when burning
Film properties: Forms a tough film with flexibility even at low temperatures.
This product is non-toxic, has strong biological resistance, and does not metabolize easily. However, it undergoes oxidative degradation when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light.
Uses of Ethyl Cellulose
Ethyl cellulose has various functions such as bonding, filling, and film-forming, making it versatile across industries:
Microencapsulation: Used as a capsule material for microencapsulation
Food industry: Applied as a food additive and cellulose powder binder
Plastics and coatings: Enhances properties in resin synthesis, synthetic plastics, coatings, and rubber substitutes
Inks and adhesives: Used in inks, insulating materials, and adhesives
Textile industry: Serves as a textile finishing agent
Agriculture and animal husbandry: Added to animal feed as a binder
Electronics and military applications: Used as a binder for electronics and military launch drugs
Other industries: Printing, metallurgy, and more
Dissolving Method
Ethyl cellulose is commonly dissolved in mixed solvents, with a combination of aromatic hydrocarbons and alcohols.
Aromatic hydrocarbons: Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (60%-80%)
Alcohols: Methanol, ethanol, n-butanol (20%-40%)
Other solvents: Dichloromethane, rosinol, ethyl acetate
Dissolving process: Slowly add ethyl cellulose to the solvent under constant stirring until it is completely wetted and dissolved.