CAS · 9004-57-3
Product Overview
Ethyl cellulose is a high-purity pharmaceutical-excipients supplied for industrial and specialty chemical applications. Contact our team for specifications, packaging options and lead times.
Product Specifications
| Grade: | USP34 |
|---|---|
| Appearance: | White powder or granule with odorless and tasteless |
| Ethoxyl: | 47.5%~49.5% |
| Viscosity (5% solution): | 40~60 cps |
| Moisture: | 3.0% max |
| Residue on ignition: | 0.40% max |
| Heavy metal: | 20 ppm max |
| Arsenic: | 3 ppm max |
Applications
1. Pharmaceutical Industry
Ethyl cellulose is extensively used as an excipient and coating agent:
Film coating for tablets and capsules: Provides taste masking, moisture protection, and controlled-release profiles.
Matrix former in sustained-release formulations: Forms a hydrophobic matrix that controls drug release over time.
Binder in tablet formulations
Microencapsulation: Encapsulates sensitive active ingredients for stability and targeted delivery.
2. Food Industry
Approved as a food additive (E462) in various countries.
Used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in sauces, dressings, and desserts.
Acts as a coating or carrier for flavoring agents or food colorants.
3. Cosmetics and Personal Care
Functions as a film-former, thickening agent, and binder in products like:
Hair sprays and gels
Lotions and creams
Nail polishes
It enhances product texture and adhesion to the skin or hair.
4. Industrial and Specialty Applications
Paints and coatings: Used as a binder and rheology modifier in lacquers, inks, and coatings.
Adhesives and sealants: Provides film strength and flexibility in solvent-based adhesives.
Plastics and polymers: Acts as a non-toxic plasticizer or filler in specialty plastics.
Textiles: Used as a sizing agent and finishing component.
5. Controlled-Release Agriculture
Used to encapsulate fertilizers or pesticides to control release rates and improve stability under environmental conditions.
Benefits
✅ Excellent Film-Forming Properties
Provides flexible, moisture-resistant, and non-tacky films ideal for coatings and controlled-release formulations.
✅ Inert and Non-Toxic
Widely regarded as safe (GRAS) for use in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
✅ Versatile Solubility
Insoluble in water but soluble in many organic solvents, allowing flexibility in formulation types.
✅ Thermal Stability
Withstands moderate heat, making it suitable for various manufacturing processes.
✅ Controlled Release Potential
Ideal for applications requiring slow or sustained delivery of active ingredients.
✅ Biocompatible and Non-Allergenic
Suitable for sensitive applications in pharmaceuticals and personal care.
Conclusion
Ethyl cellulose (CAS 9004-57-3) is a multifunctional, non-toxic cellulose derivative prized for its film-forming, thickening, and binding capabilities. Its versatility spans pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and industrial applications, especially where water-insoluble yet organic solvent-soluble excipients are needed. With its ability to enable sustained drug release, stabilize emulsions, and enhance the texture and durability of finished products, ethyl cellulose continues to be a critical component in modern formulation science across multiple industries.
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