Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) is a versatile cellulose ester offering excellent film formation, flexibility, durability, gloss, and moisture resistance. It is widely used in coatings, paints, inks, plastics, and adhesives. KIMACELL® provides cellulose-based solutions for diverse industrial applications, supporting formulation performance, processing efficiency, and consistent product quality across multiple markets.
CAB-381-2 is a cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) grade developed for use in specialty polymer, coating, ink, lacquer, and other industrial formulations. As a cellulose-derived ester, CAB combines film-forming characteristics with useful compatibility, surface performance, and formulation flexibility.
CAB-381-2 can be evaluated in formulations requiring controlled film formation, good surface appearance, flexibility, hardness, and compatibility with selected resins and solvent systems. The appropriate grade should be selected according to the formulation, processing method, and final application requirements.
CAB-381-2 is a grade of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, commonly abbreviated as CAB. Cellulose acetate butyrate is a modified cellulose ester containing both acetate and butyrate groups.
The chemical composition and molecular characteristics of a CAB grade influence important properties such as viscosity, solubility, compatibility, film formation, flexibility, hardness, and drying behavior.
CAB-381-2 is designed for formulators looking for a cellulose ester material for specialty industrial applications.
CAB-381-2 can provide a combination of properties that makes cellulose acetate butyrate useful in industrial formulations:
Excellent film-forming characteristics
Good surface appearance
Useful resin compatibility
Good formulation flexibility
Balanced hardness and flexibility
Suitable for specialty coating systems
Useful solvent compatibility
Cellulose-derived polymer chemistry
Suitable for industrial formulation development
Actual performance depends on formulation composition, resin selection, solvent system, processing conditions, and application method.
Property | CAB-381-2 |
Product Name | Cellulose Acetate Butyrate |
Grade | CAB-381-2 |
Chemical Type | Cellulose Ester |
Appearance | White to off-white solid |
Acetyl Content | 13.5 wt % |
Butyryl Content | 38wt% |
Viscosity | 7.6poise |
Ash Content | 0.05% |
Solubility | Solvent-dependent |
Application | Coatings, inks, lacquers, plastics and specialty formulations |
Packaging | According to customer requirements |
Note: The final specification should be confirmed against the manufacturer's current TDS and COA for CAB-381-2.

CAB can be used in selected automotive coating formulations to support film formation, surface appearance, drying characteristics, hardness, and formulation performance.
CAB-381-2 can be evaluated in industrial coatings where good film formation, surface quality, resin compatibility, and controlled formulation properties are required.
Cellulose acetate butyrate can contribute to smooth film formation and attractive surface appearance in selected wood coating and finishing formulations.
CAB can function as a polymeric component in certain printing ink systems. Its film-forming and compatibility characteristics can support ink performance and surface properties.
CAB is suitable for evaluating in lacquer systems requiring controlled film formation, appearance, flexibility, hardness, and drying performance.
CAB-381-2 may be considered for specialty plastic coating systems where adhesion, surface appearance, flexibility, and hardness need to be balanced.
As a cellulose ester, CAB can be incorporated into specialty polymer systems where cellulose-derived materials and specific film-forming characteristics are desired.
Cellulose acetate butyrate provides formulators with a combination of cellulose-based chemistry and polymeric performance.
Depending on grade and formulation, CAB can help improve:
Film formation
Surface appearance
Hardness
Flexibility
Drying behavior
Resin compatibility
Solvent compatibility
Coating performance
The final performance of CAB-381-2 should always be evaluated in the actual formulation because interactions between CAB, solvents, resins, pigments, plasticizers, and other additives can significantly influence the finished product.
Choosing the correct CAB grade requires consideration of the final product and manufacturing process.
Selection Factor | Importance |
Viscosity | Influences formulation viscosity and processing |
Acetyl Content | Affects chemical and formulation characteristics |
Butyryl Content | Influences flexibility, solubility and compatibility |
Molecular Characteristics | Can influence film strength and rheology |
Solvent System | Determines dissolution and formulation compatibility |
Resin Compatibility | Important for formulation stability |
Application Method | Influences the required processing characteristics |
Drying Conditions | Important for production efficiency |
Final Film Properties | Determines suitability for the finished product |
Laboratory testing is recommended before commercial-scale production.

One important use of cellulose acetate butyrate is as a functional polymer in coating systems.
Depending on the formulation, CAB may help formulators achieve a balance between hardness, flexibility, appearance, drying behavior, and compatibility.
It can also be combined with other resins and additives to develop coating systems with specific performance characteristics.
For this reason, grade selection should be based not only on product name but also on the required viscosity, composition, solvent compatibility, resin system, and final application.
CAB can be considered for selected printing ink formulations where film formation and surface properties are important.
The appropriate CAB grade may contribute to:
Film formation
Surface appearance
Drying characteristics
Resin compatibility
Formulation stability
Print surface performance
Ink manufacturers should conduct compatibility testing with their specific resin, solvent, pigment, and additive systems.
CAB-381-2 should be stored according to the manufacturer's SDS and technical recommendations.
General storage practices include:
Keep the product in a dry environment.
Keep containers tightly closed.
Protect the material from moisture and contamination.
Store in a cool and well-ventilated area.
Avoid unsuitable heat and ignition sources.
Follow applicable handling and safety requirements.
Packaging can be selected according to order quantity, transportation requirements, and customer specifications.
Consistent quality is important when CAB is used in industrial formulations. Buyers may evaluate the following parameters according to their application:
Quality Parameter | Purpose |
Appearance | Confirms product consistency |
Viscosity | Controls formulation and processing behavior |
Moisture | Helps maintain material stability |
Ester Composition | Influences application characteristics |
Ash | Indicates inorganic residue level |
Solubility | Determines compatibility with solvent systems |
Batch Consistency | Supports reproducible production |
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) should be checked against the agreed product specification for each commercial batch.
For international buyers, sourcing CAB-381-2 from a professional supplier can provide access to technical documentation, commercial packaging, batch quality control, and export support.
Typical documents available for industrial raw materials may include:
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Product specification
Packaging information
Batch information
Shipping documentation
Buyers should confirm the latest technical documentation before placing a commercial order.
CAB-381-2 is a grade of cellulose acetate butyrate, a cellulose ester used in coatings, inks, lacquers, plastics, and other specialty industrial formulations.
Cellulose acetate butyrate is commonly considered for coating, lacquer, printing ink, plastic coating, wood finishing, automotive, and specialty polymer applications.
CAB can provide useful film formation, surface appearance, hardness, flexibility, drying behavior, and compatibility characteristics depending on the selected grade and formulation.
CAB grades can be evaluated for different coating applications. Suitability depends on the coating resin, solvent system, application method, and required final film properties.
Store CAB-381-2 in suitable sealed packaging in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated environment. Always follow the manufacturer's SDS for detailed storage and handling requirements.
Grade selection should consider viscosity, ester composition, solvent compatibility, resin compatibility, processing conditions, application method, and final film requirements.
CAB can be combined with selected resin systems, but compatibility should be confirmed through laboratory testing before production.
Common documents include the TDS, SDS, COA, product specification, packaging information, and relevant shipping documentation.
Looking for CAB-381-2 cellulose acetate butyrate for your industrial formulation?
Contact our sales team for:
CAB-381-2 technical specifications
TDS and SDS
COA and batch information
Product pricing
Packaging options
Sample availability
Bulk order information
Technical application support
CAB-381-2 is a cellulose acetate butyrate grade for manufacturers developing coatings, inks, lacquers, plastics, and specialty industrial formulations.