Cellulose Acetate (CA)
Cellulose Acetate (CA)
Polymer Type: Thermoplastic
Key Properties
- Good transparency
- Dimensional stability
- Biodegradability
- Moderate strength
- Chemical resistance
- Moderate heat resistance (typically handles temperatures up to 80°C continuously and short-term spikes up to 100°C)
Applications
- Textiles
- Eyeglass frames
- Film base
Additional Information
Cellulose acetate (CA) is a thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like wood pulp or cotton. This biocompatible and partially biodegradable material exhibits strength, clarity, and processing versatility. Compared to its natural counterpart, cellulose, CA exhibits improved dimensional stability, wrinkle resistance, and drapability, making it valuable in textile applications. Additionally, its excellent transparency and clarity have led to its use in photographic films and eyeglass frames.
The biodegradability of CA depends on specific environmental conditions, and it takes longer to decompose compared to some other bioplastics.
Despite these limitations, CA remains a versatile and widely used material in various industries.
