Vertellus™ Performance Materials CITROFLEX® citric acid esters offer a broad range of benefits when used as plasticizers, solvent alternatives, lubricant additives and performance enhancers in aqueous and solvent-based polymer formulations. Polymer compatibility is good with many polymers including: acrylic, methacrylic, ethylcellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, nitro cellulose, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, vinylpyrrolidone, vinylidene chloride and urethanes. CITROFLEX® esters offer formulators a unique combination of environmentally friendly features. They are neither "Volatile Organic Compounds" (VOCs) nor "Hazardous Air Pollutants" (HAPs) and combine efficient plasticization of polymers with low toxicity, high flash points and rapid biodegradability.
CITROFLEX® esters are based on natural citric acid raw material, which is mainly derived from the fermentation of corn. The esters have a long history of use in food and beverage flavoring and in medical and pharmaceutical applications. Detailed information on their use in pharmaceutical coatings is presented in a series of Vertellus™ Performance Materials bulletins numbered 102 through 105 which can be requested.
The higher molecular weight citric acid esters, including CITROFLEX® A4 and B6 are effective replacements for DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and DEHA (di-2-ethylhexyl) adipate, while the lower molecular weight CITROFLEX® esters including CITROFLEX® C2, A2, and 4 have plasticizer performance similar to other lower molecular weight phthalates, adipates, and sebacates in a variety of polymers.