Cellulose acetate butyrate

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| ImageCaption = Simplified representation of cellulose acetate butyrate with acetyl (blue) and butyryl (green) groups highlighted. The distribution of these ester groups can vary within the polymer chain.

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| CASNo = 9004-36-8

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| Appearance = White solid{{cite web | url = https://www.fishersci.se/chemicalProductData_uk/wercs?itemCode=10157270&lang=EN | title = Safety Data Sheet | website = fishersci.se }}

| Odor = Odorless

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| Solubility = Negligible

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Cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) is a mixed ester thermoplastic derivative of cellulose acetate that contains both acetate and butyrate functional groups. It has improved weathering resistance and lower moisture absorption compared to cellulose acetate. The exact properties of a CAB compound is determined by the composition of butyrate vs acetate functional groups.{{Cite web|title=Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Eastman - ChemPoint|url=https://www.chempoint.com/products/eastman/eastman-cellulose-esters/cellulose-acetate-butyrate|access-date=2021-05-02|website=www.chempoint.com}}

CAB is commonly used as a binder or additive in coatings.{{Cite web|title=CAB|url=https://polymerdatabase.com/Polymer%20Brands/CAB.html|access-date=2021-05-02|website=polymerdatabase.com}}

CAB is widely used for tool handles, due to its toughness and resistance to oil and gasoline.{{cite web |title=Screwdrivers {{!}} PB Swiss Tools |url=https://www.pbswisstools.com/en/tools/quality-hand-tools/screwdrivers/overview |website=www.pbswisstools.com |access-date=24 May 2025}} Tools with CAB handles can begin to outgas unpleasant butyric acid odors with age,{{cite web |title=Why Hard Plastic Screwdriver Handles Smell Like Vomit |url=https://toolguyd.com/why-hard-plastic-screwdriver-handles-smell-like-vomit/ |website=toolguyd.com |access-date=24 May 2025}} which one manufacturer combats by adding vanilla scent to the plastic.{{cite web |title=High-Quality Materials {{!}} PB Swiss Tools |url=https://www.pbswisstools.com/en/about-us/quality/high-grade-materials |website=www.pbswisstools.com |access-date=24 May 2025}} Another usage of CAB is the production of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses.

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