Cellulose Acetate Butyrate - CAB

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) is an amorphous, transparent thermoplastic quite like cellulose acetate but more expensive and tougher with improved weathering resistance and lower moisture absorption.

Polymer Type

Thermoplastic

Advantages

The advantages of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate include:

  • Better weathering characteristics than Cellulose Acetate or Cellulose Propionate.
  • Tougher than Cellulose Acetate.
  • Lower moisture absorption than Cellulose Acetate. 
  • Transparent and glossy surface finish.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate include:

  • Attacked or swollen by many solvents including chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols and ketones
  • More expensive than Cellulose Acetate

Applications

Tool handles, panels for illuminated signs, steering wheels, goggles, bathroom fittings, decorative trim for cars and consumer durables, drawing stencils, pens, pneumatic system traps, blister packaging, laminating with aluminium foil.

Applications are also related to the addition of signs and goggles and the exclusion of graphics films.​

Typical Properties

Property Value
Density (g/cm3) 1.18
Surface Hardness RR69
Tensile Strength (MPa) 35
Flexural Modulus (GPa) 1.3
Notched Izod (kJ/m) 0.26
Linear Expansion (/°C x 10-5) 12
Elongation at Break (%) 60
Strain at Yield (%) 4
Max. Operating Temp. (°C) 60
Water Absorption (%) 1.3
Oxygen Index (%) 17
Flammability UL94 HB
Volume Resistivity (log ohm.cm) 11
Dielectric Strength (MV/m) 10
Dissipation Factor 1 kHz 0.04
Dielectric Constant 1 kHz 5
HDT @ 0.45 MPa (°C) 73
HDT @ 1.80 MPa (°C) 62
Material. Drying hrs @ (°C) 2 @ 70
Melting Temp. Range (°C) 170 - 240
Mould Shrinkage (%) 0.5
Mould Temp. Range (°C) 40 - 50

Source : Abstracted from Plascams

For more information on Plascams please visit RAPRA Technology Ltd.

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