Acetate films

What exactly are acetate films?

An acetate film is a comparatively scratch-resistant, flexible, and highly transparent plastic film with only a low plasticizer content. The base structure of these films is cellulose acetate, meaning the acetic acid esters of cellulose. Cellulose acetate absorbs moisture relatively well, which offers decisive advantages. Unlike other plastic films, acetate films attract significantly less dust and behave antistatically.

Acetate films can be stored easily, even over long periods of time, but one special aspect must be considered. Thicker films should not be stored in a rolled-up condition for extended periods, as they have a strong tendency to curl. In addition, acetate film should be protected from excessive UV light exposure in the long term. Otherwise, there is a risk that the films, which are not permanently UV-stable, will gradually yellow. However, this would require direct sunlight exposure over several years.

Special case cellulose acetate – high utility as laminating film

Cellulose acetate, as a direct relative of celluloid, is one of the longest-known plastics in the world. It was also the first type of plastic to be used and processed in injection molding. For example, up until the 1960s, the well-known Lego bricks were molded from cellulose ester. Today, films made from cellulose acetate are primarily used as laminating film.

Acetate films offer a wide range of possible applications

Films of this type are primarily used for packaging or for presentation purposes, for example in folders or displays. Acetate film is also popular in the field of animation. In this case, users benefit from the high transparency, the very good color adhesion, and the structure, which shows no tendency toward the typical rainbow-colored streaks known as Newton’s rings.

Since acetate film can also be easily snapped and scored and folded without stress whitening, it is also excellently suited for use as a stencil in airbrush techniques. Rounded shapes are also possible. If an adhesive is required, the solvent acetone or plastic adhesives containing solvents are a good choice. In addition, acetate films can be processed very well using screen printing, for example with matte and gloss varnishes as well as relief coatings.

Di-acetate films as a bio-based alternative to conventional plastic films

Plastics used for films, such as polyester, polypropylene, or PVC, are considered classic film materials. All of them offer different advantages, but they also have disadvantages in terms of sustainability, environmental compatibility, and recycling. Di-acetate represents a bio-based and environmentally conscious alternative. Di-acetate films are based on non-GMO pulp made from naturally renewable raw materials.

For example, our bio-based optimont® CDA films are made from wood fiber cellulose. The pulp used comes from managed forest resources and contains no endangered hardwood species. The film is available in thicknesses from 30 µm up to 500 µm. Important to note: Films made from this material can be composted independently up to a thickness of 75 µm. As a rule, the bio-based di-acetate film is completely composted within around 14 weeks. Therefore, the bio-based optimont® CDA film is appropriately certified with regard to compostability (DIN EN 13432:2000-12 as well as ASTM D6400).

The advantages of bio-based acetate films

These films are characterized above all by an exceptionally high moisture transmission rate. In addition, they offer improved UV resistance, which goes hand in hand with good transparency for UV light, as well as good anti-fog properties. The film, which is cast as part of a dispersion of cellulose flakes, has no orientation or machine direction, which increases overall flexibility in processing and use. In order to achieve all technical properties, a special plasticizer is required.

In general, users benefit from the following features:

• extremely high transparency
• crystal-clear
• food-safe
• compostable

Bio-based acetate films are used in numerous application scenarios. They are primarily used, for example, as viewing windows for packaging or folding cartons. They are also in demand as laminating films or for various industrial applications. In some cases, such a bio-based film is also used for optical applications, medical technology purposes, as well as for artistic and drawing needs. Incidentally, the windows of many 3D glasses are also made from di-acetate film.

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