CELLULOSE ACETATE Resistant O-Rings and Seals

Cellulose acetate, also known as cellulose acetate butyrate or CAB, is a thermoplastic polymer derived from the cellulose found in wood, cotton, and other plant material. It is commonly used in the manufacture of coatings, adhesives, binders, and other specialty products in the plastics and rubber industry.

When exposed to cellulose acetate, rubber materials such as natural rubber, neoprene, and nitrile can experience a variety of failure modes. These include swelling, embrittlement, cracking, softening, and discoloration. In addition, these materials may become more susceptible to degradation from heat, UV radiation, and ozone. As a result, it is important to select a rubber material that is compatible with cellulose acetate when designing rubber components that will be exposed to this chemical.