Ethyl cellulose (EC, CAS 9004-57-3) is a cellulose ether that forms water-insoluble films. In solvent-based inks and coatings, it can bind solids and form a film as the solvent evaporates. In oral dosage forms, suitable grades form a barrier around tablets or pellets or help control release from within a tablet matrix.
Ethyl Cellulose in Printing Inks and Industrial Coatings
Ethyl cellulose acts as a film-forming binder in selected solvent-based inks and specialty coatings. The grade influences how much polymer the formulation can carry at the viscosity needed for printing or coating. The solvent blend also has to keep the polymer dissolved during preparation and application.
Ethoxyl content affects solvent compatibility. Solution viscosity is reported under a specified set of conditions, including solvent, polymer concentration and temperature. The IFF industrial ethyl cellulose guide shows why grades with similar ethoxyl content can have different viscosity ranges and why the test conditions matter when comparing them.
Ethyl Cellulose in Tablet and Pellet Coatings
Pharmaceutical ethyl cellulose grades can form a water-insoluble coating on tablets or pellets. The film acts as a barrier through which a dissolved active can diffuse. The coating composition and thickness help determine the release profile. Certain fine-powder grades are also used in modified-release tablet matrices. Roquette’s pharmaceutical ethylcellulose overview.
Ethyl cellulose coatings can also be applied from a formulated aqueous dispersion. In that form, polymer particles are dispersed in water and form a film during drying. An example of an aqueous ethylcellulose dispersion.
Ethyl Cellulose in Food Applications
Ethyl cellulose is identified as E 462 in the Great Britain food additive register. The FAO/WHO JECFA entry for INS 462 lists carrier and tableting aid among its functional classes. Use in a food product depends on the food category, applicable market rules and documentation for the supplied grade.
Viscosity, Ethoxyl Content and Product Form
Two ethyl cellulose powders with the same CAS number can differ in viscosity and ethoxyl content. For an ink or coating, those differences affect the solvent system and the working viscosity at the target solids level. For a pharmaceutical formulation, particle size and product form also matter when selecting a matrix powder or a coating dispersion.
View Unilong’s product listing for Ethyl Cellulose (CAS 9004-57-3). Company details are available on the About Unilong page.
Post time: Nov-11-2026