View source for Ethyl cellulose

== Description ==

A thermoplastic, colorless powder composed of an ethyl ether of cellulose. Commercial ethyl cellulose (EC) has an ethoxy content of 43-50%. It softens at about 100-140C and is compatible with resins, waxes, oils and plasticizers. Ethyl cellulose forms a tough, flexible, transparent film that is very wear resistant. It is used in food containers; hot-melt adhesives, inks, and as protective coatings for paper and textiles. Ethyl cellulose is rarely used in conservation because it oxidizes readily and is thermally unstable (Feller and Wilt 1990).

== Synonyms and Related Terms ==

EC; ethylcellulose; cellulose ethyl ether; éthylcellulose (Fr.); etil cellulosa (It.); etilcelulose (Port.) 

Examples: Ethocel [Dow]; Ethylcellulose [Aqualon]

== Risks ==

* Combustible.

== Physical and Chemical Properties ==

Soluble in esters, alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Insoluble in water and glycerol.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! scope="row"| Density
| 1.07-1.18 g/ml
|-
! scope="row"| Refractive Index
| 1.47
|}

== Comparisons ==

[[media:download_file_337.pdf|General Characteristics of Polymers]]

[[media:download_file_338.pdf|Physical Properties for Selected Thermoplastic Resins]]

== Resources and Citations ==

* Dow Chemical: [[http://msdssearch.dow.com/PublishedLiteratureDOWCOM/dh_004f/0901b8038004fb7c.pdf?filepath=eth Ethocel technical brochure]]

* R.Feller, M.Wilt, ''Evaluation of Cellulose Ethers for Conservation'', in Research in Conservation Series, Getty Conservation Institute, 1990.

* ''Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia'', Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976

* Random House, ''Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language'', Grammercy Book, New York, 1997

* Richard S. Lewis, ''Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary'', Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

* ''The Merck Index'', Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983  Comment: entry 3828

* R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, ''Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia'', Dover Publications, New York, 1966



[[Category:Materials database]]