Citric acid Esters, a Green Plasticizer
Citric Acid Esters when used as plasticizers, solvent alternatives, lubricant additives and performance enhancers in aqueous and solvent-based polymer formulations. They are not “Volatile Organic Compounds” (VOCs) and not “Hazardous Air Pollutants” (HAPs) and combine efficient plasticization of polymers with low toxicity, high flash points and rapid biodegradability.
KASEL can offer citric acid esters and Process technology to produce esters of citric acid.
Triethyl citrate (TEC)
Triethyl citrate is 100% bio-based citrate ester that is manufactured by the esterification of citric acid and ethanol. It is a colorless, odorless liquid used as a food additive, emulsifier and solvent (E number E1505) to stabilize foams, especially as whipping aid for egg white.
Triethyl citrate can be used as a liquid, oily active ingredient in deodorants. It is decomposed instead of the body sweat by the bacterial flora of the skin into low odour substances. Triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate and their acetates are, moreover, used as softeners eg for hairsprays and as emulsifiers for ointments and creams. In pharmaceutical applications Triethyl Citrate is used as plasticiser to the performance of enteric coatings for controlled release tablets.
Triethyl citrate is also used as a plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and similar plastics.
Triethyl citrate has been used as a pseudo-emulsifier in e-cigarette juices. It functions essentially like lecithin used in food products, but with the possibility of vaporization which lecithin does not have.
Tributyl citrate (TBC)
Tributyl citrate is a colorless transparent oily liquid that serves as an environmentally friendly plasticizer.The excellent compatability in PVC makes Tributyl citrate a well suited and recommended plasticiser for artificial leather, textile
TBC serves as a plasticizer for PVC and vinyl chloride copolymers, enhancing their flexibility and processability. It finds application in various PVC-based products, including food packaging materials, toys, and medical products.
Triethyl O-acetylcitrate (ATEC)
Acetyltriethyl citrate is prepared by the esterification of citric acid with ethanol followed by acylation with acetic anhydride.
Triethyl O-Acetylcitrate is used in the preparation of poly(lactic) acid biodegradable and flexible films, acting as a plasticizer. Also used in the synthesis of control-release capsules containing polymeric coatings.
In pharmaceutical applications ATEC is used to plasticize polymers in formulated pharmaceutical coatings. The coating applications include capsules, tablets, beads and granules for taste masking, immediate release, sustained-release and enteric formulations. It is also used in diffusion-controlled release drug delivery systems.
For personal care applications like nail lacquer (good plasticising properties also excellent lightfastness)
Tributyl O-acetylcitrate (ATBC)
Tributyl O-acetylcitrate is a colorless liquid soluble in water. This chemical acts as a solvent in the formulation of paints, inks, and nail enamels and is pivotal in enhancing the flexibility of plastics, which includes those used for sensitive applications under scrutiny due to no concerns in terms of toxicological, ecotoxicological and environmental reasons like toys and developing food packaging, medical devices etc. It serves as a pivotal plasticizer for substances like polyvinyl chloride, polyurethanes, and silicone rubber. It is also used for technical applications like artificial leather, textile coating, flooring and automotive.
Exhibiting high permeability to water, Tributyl O-acetylcitrate is valuable in the field of tissue engineering.
Tributyl O-acetylcitrate has been tested for biodegradability according to OECD Test Guideline 302 C.
Tributyl O-acetylcitrate citric acid esters are also used as plasticizers for bioplastics such as polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, and poly hydroxyalkanoic acid.
