Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (ATBC)

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate (ATBC) at a Glance

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, commonly abbreviated as ATBC, is a high-boiling, low-volatility citrate ester used primarily as a non-phthalate plasticizer. It improves flexibility, film formation and processing performance in PVC, cellulose derivatives, coatings, inks and other polymer systems.

AOZUN supplies ATBC with a minimum content of 99.0%. The product is a clear, colorless liquid with controlled color, acidity, moisture, density and refractive index. Standard packaging options include 220 kg iron drums and 1000 kg IBCs.

Why Choose AOZUN as Your ATBC Supplier?

AOZUN provides bulk Acetyl Tributyl Citrate for plastics, coatings, inks and related industrial applications.

Key supply advantages include:

• ATBC content of at least 99.0%

• Low-color specification of no more than 30 APHA

• Controlled moisture and acidity

• Bulk packaging for commercial production

• Batch-specific quality inspection

• Export packaging and international shipment support

• Technical, safety and batch documents available according to order requirements

• Sample and specification review before commercial purchasing

The correct ATBC grade should be selected according to the polymer, manufacturing process, finished-product requirements and regulations of the destination market.

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate Technical Specifications

The specification above describes standard AOZUN ATBC. The final sales specification and batch Certificate of Analysis should be reviewed before purchase because testing methods or customer-specific requirements may differ.

What Are the Main Benefits of ATBC?

Non-Phthalate Citrate Chemistry

ATBC is a citrate ester rather than an ortho-phthalate plasticizer. It can therefore be evaluated for formulations in which conventional ortho-phthalates are restricted or not preferred.

A non-phthalate chemical structure does not automatically establish compliance of the supplied grade or final article. Product documentation and finished-product testing remain necessary.

Effective Plasticization

ATBC can reduce polymer rigidity and help improve softness, elongation and flexibility. Actual performance depends on the resin, formulation, ATBC loading and processing conditions.

Low Volatility

Its relatively high molecular weight and high-boiling character help reduce volatility during processing and service compared with more volatile citrate esters. Heat-loss and fogging tests should still be conducted for demanding applications.

Good Film Formation

ATBC is used to improve film flexibility and reduce brittleness in selected coatings, inks, lacquers and cellulose-based systems.

Broad Resin Compatibility

ATBC can be evaluated with PVC, vinyl resins, nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, acrylic resins, polyvinyl acetate and selected polyurethane or PLA systems.

Clear, Low-Color Appearance

AOZUN ATBC has a maximum color specification of 30 APHA, making it suitable for formulations in which transparency and finished-product color are important.

What Is Acetyl Tributyl Citrate Used For?

Flexible PVC and Vinyl Compounds

ATBC is widely evaluated as a primary or specialty plasticizer for flexible PVC. Potential applications include:

• Flexible PVC films

• Sheets and profiles

• Sealing compounds and gaskets

• Vinyl coatings

• Artificial leather

• Coated textiles

• Consumer-product components

Before commercial use, formulators should test plasticizing efficiency, fusion behavior, migration, extraction resistance, heat aging and low-temperature performance.

Food-Contact Films, Coatings and Inks

ATBC may be considered for selected food-packaging films, closure systems, coatings and printing inks.

Food-contact suitability is not determined by the chemical name alone. Buyers must confirm the supplied grade, applicable regulation, use level, food type, contact time, temperature and migration performance of the finished material.

Medical and Healthcare Polymer Applications

ATBC is sometimes evaluated for flexible medical polymers, pharmaceutical coatings and related healthcare products where a non-phthalate citrate plasticizer is required.

Medical suitability depends on the specific grade and application. Biocompatibility, extractables, leachables, sterilization stability and applicable medical-device requirements must be evaluated separately.

Toys and Consumer Products

ATBC may be used in flexible polymer components for toys and consumer goods. Manufacturers must verify all applicable chemical restrictions, mechanical requirements and migration limits for the destination market.

Coatings, Inks and Lacquers

ATBC can function as a plasticizer and film-forming aid in:

• Nitrocellulose coatings

• Printing inks

• Food-packaging inks

• Acrylic coatings

• Lacquers

• Paper and foil coatings

• Specialty industrial finishes

It can help improve film flexibility and reduce cracking. Compatibility, drying time, gloss, blocking and solvent retention should be checked in the complete formulation.

Adhesives and Sealants

In compatible adhesive and sealant formulations, ATBC may improve flexibility, workability and film properties. Formulators should evaluate its effect on adhesion, cure behavior, viscosity and migration.

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate is also recognized as an INCI ingredient and may be used as a film former, plasticizer or solubilizing component in selected nail-care, makeup, styling and personal-care formulations.

Only a suitable cosmetic grade should be used. The formulator must confirm regional cosmetic requirements, purity criteria and permitted use conditions.

Cellulose, Acrylic and Other Polymer Systems

ATBC can also be evaluated in:

• Nitrocellulose

• Ethyl cellulose

• Cellulose acetate derivatives

• Acrylic and methacrylic resins

• Polyvinyl acetate

• Vinyl chloride–vinyl acetate copolymers

• Selected polyurethane systems

• Selected PLA formulations

• Natural or synthetic rubber formulations

Compatibility and performance are formulation-specific and should be confirmed through laboratory trials.

ATBC Polymer Compatibility Guide

This table is a screening guide, not a formulation guarantee. Laboratory testing should always be completed with the actual resin, additives and processing conditions.

How Does ATBC Compare with Other Plasticizers?

ATBC should not be selected solely because it is a non-phthalate citrate. The decision should consider plasticizing efficiency, volatility, extraction resistance, migration, heat stability, low-temperature behavior, regulation and total formulation cost.

ATBC or TBC: What Is the Difference?

ATBC is acetyl tributyl citrate, while TBC is tributyl citrate. ATBC contains an acetylated hydroxyl group, which changes its polarity, compatibility and behavior in polymer and coating systems.

Neither product is automatically better for every application. Formulators should compare:

• Resin compatibility

• Plasticizing efficiency

• Processing temperature

• Volatility

• Water and oil extraction

• Film properties

• Migration

• Regulatory requirements

• Finished-product performance

Side-by-side formulation trials provide the most reliable basis for selection.

How Should ATBC Be Evaluated in a New Formulation?

1. Define the Target Performance

Identify the required hardness, flexibility, transparency, tensile strength, elongation, heat resistance, extraction resistance and service temperature.

2. Confirm the Resin System

Provide the complete resin type and grade. ATBC performance can differ significantly between PVC, cellulose, acrylic, polyurethane and PLA formulations.

3. Run Several Dosage Levels

Test ATBC at multiple loading levels instead of relying on a universal recommended dosage. The required amount depends on the polymer and the other additives in the formulation.

4. Check Processing Performance

Monitor fusion, viscosity, mixing, coating behavior, drying, extrusion stability and color development under actual processing conditions.

5. Test the Finished Material

Depending on the application, useful tests may include:

• Hardness and flexibility

• Tensile strength and elongation

• Heat aging

• Low-temperature performance

• Volatility and fogging

• Water, oil and solvent extraction

• Migration

• Odor

• Color stability

• Adhesion and blocking

• Sterilization resistance

6. Complete Regulatory Validation

For food-contact materials, toys, medical products, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications, assess the complete formulation and finished article—not only the ATBC raw material.

Quality Documents and Regulatory Support

Buyers can ask AOZUN to confirm the availability and scope of documents such as:

• Technical Data Sheet

• Safety Data Sheet

• Batch Certificate of Analysis

• Product specification

• Country of origin information

• Packing information

• Transport information

• Regulatory or compliance statements relevant to the intended market

• Additional analytical reports when commercially agreed

ATBC, CAS 77-90-7, appears in several regulatory frameworks. For example, the substance is listed in Annex I of EU Regulation No. 10/2011 for plastic food-contact materials and is referenced in U.S. 21 CFR 172.515 as a flavoring agent or adjuvant.

These substance-level references do not mean that every ATBC grade, formulation or finished article is automatically approved for every food-contact or sensitive application.

Before purchase, confirm:

• The exact intended use

• The destination country

• The required product grade

• Applicable restrictions and use limits

• Migration or extraction requirements

• Whether additional purity or impurity testing is required

• Whether the supplier’s documentation covers the relevant supply chain

REACH registration status and coverage should also be confirmed for the specific importer, supply chain and annual tonnage involved.

Packaging, Storage and Handling

AOZUN standard ATBC packaging options include:

• 220 kg net iron drum

• 1000 kg net IBC

Packaging availability should be confirmed when requesting a quotation.

Store ATBC in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. Protect it from incompatible materials, excessive heat and strong oxidizing agents. Opened containers should be carefully resealed and stored upright to reduce the risk of leakage or moisture contamination.

Use suitable personal protective equipment and follow the current Safety Data Sheet during handling, transfer and cleanup.

How to Buy Acetyl Tributyl Citrate from AOZUN

To receive an accurate ATBC quotation, provide the following information:

• Product name: Acetyl Tributyl Citrate or ATBC

• Required quantity

• Expected annual consumption

• Intended application

• Required specification or grade

• Preferred packaging

• Delivery country and destination port

• Required Incoterm

• Required delivery date

• Required technical or regulatory documents

• Whether a pre-shipment sample is needed

Providing complete application information helps AOZUN confirm whether the standard ATBC specification is appropriate before commercial supply.

Frequently Asked Questions About ATBC

What is Acetyl Tributyl Citrate?

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate is a citrate ester plasticizer identified by CAS number 77-90-7. It is used to improve flexibility, film formation and processing performance in PVC, cellulose derivatives, coatings, inks and other compatible polymer systems.

Is ATBC a phthalate?

No. ATBC is a citrate ester and does not have the chemical structure of an ortho-phthalate plasticizer. Product-specific phthalate-free or impurity claims should nevertheless be supported by the appropriate supplier documentation or testing.

Is ATBC suitable for food-contact materials?

ATBC may be used in certain food-contact applications where permitted by the relevant regulation. Suitability depends on the product grade, formulation, use level, food type, contact conditions and migration results. The finished material must be evaluated for the intended market.

Can ATBC be used in medical PVC?

ATBC may be evaluated as a plasticizer for selected medical polymer applications. A standard industrial ATBC specification alone does not establish medical-grade suitability. Biocompatibility, extractables, leachables, sterilization and medical-device requirements must be assessed.

Is ATBC compatible with PVC?

ATBC generally has good compatibility with flexible PVC and can function as a primary or specialty plasticizer. The required loading and final performance should be confirmed through formulation testing.

Is ATBC soluble in water?

ATBC has very low solubility in water. It is more compatible with many organic solvents, oils and polymer systems, although solubility should be confirmed in the complete formulation.

Is ATBC biodegradable?

Biodegradability claims depend on the test method and environmental conditions. Even if an ATBC raw material meets a specific biodegradation criterion, this does not mean that a polymer product containing ATBC is biodegradable.

What is the difference between ATBC and DOP?

ATBC is a citrate ester, while DOP or DEHP is an ortho-phthalate plasticizer. They differ in chemical structure, plasticizing efficiency, volatility, extraction behavior, cost and regulatory acceptance. They should not be treated as universal one-to-one replacements without formulation testing.

What is the standard purity of AOZUN ATBC?

AOZUN standard ATBC has a content specification of at least 99.0%, with color of no more than 30 APHA and water content of no more than 0.15%.

What packaging is available?

Standard packaging includes 220 kg iron drums and 1000 kg IBCs. Current availability and container requirements should be confirmed before ordering.

Can I request an ATBC sample?

Sample availability depends on the destination, application and project stage. Provide your company information, formulation type, required quantity and destination when submitting a sample request.

Request an ATBC Sample or Quotation

Looking for a reliable bulk supplier of Acetyl Tributyl Citrate?

Contact AOZUN with your required quantity, application, destination, packaging and technical requirements. Our team will review the request and provide the applicable specification, available documents, packaging option and commercial quotation.

Product: Acetyl Tributyl Citrate
Abbreviation: ATBC
CAS number: 77-90-7
Standard content: ≥99.0%
Packaging: 220 kg iron drum or 1000 kg IBC

AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE