High Quality Ethyl Cellulose Factory Leading China Suppliers of EC Polymer
Ethyl Cellulose (EC) is a premium, water-insoluble cellulose derivative soluble in a wide array of organic solvents. Engineered as a high-performance polymer, it serves as a critical binder and film-forming agent in pharmaceutical and industrial applications, providing exceptional structural integrity to tablets and granules while effectively reducing brittleness and increasing hardness.
Characterized by its odorless, tasteless, and metabolically inert properties, our Ethyl Cellulose is produced through a precise alkalization and etherification process. With a degree of substitution (DS) typically between 2.4-2.6, it offers superior thermoplasticity and chemical stability across a pH range of 3-11, making it an indispensable material for controlled-release drug delivery systems and protective coatings.
Detailed Parameters
| Ethoxy Content (Wt%) | K series: 45.5-46.8 | N series: 47.5-49.5 | T series: ≥49.5 | Drying Weight Loss | ≤ 3.0 Wt% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burning Residue | ≤ 0.4 Wt% | Heavy Metal Content | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Arsenic Content | ≤ 3 ppm | Ammoniates | ≤ 0.1 Wt% |
| Acetaldehyde | ≤ 0.01 Wt% | Pharmacopoeia Standard | Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 Edition, Part 4) |
| Relative Density | 1.07 - 1.18 g/cm³ | Softening Point | 135°C - 155°C |
Key Advantages
Water Insolubility
Provides an impermeable barrier that protects water-sensitive drugs from dampness and degradation.
Controlled Release
Acts as a skeleton material for sustained-release tablets and microcapsules to regulate drug diffusion.
High Stability
Excellent stability within pH 3-11 and resistant to acids and alkalis during long-term storage.
Superior Film Form
Creates strong, tough, and transparent films (10-30um) to improve tablet appearance and mask taste.
Versatile Solubility
Easily dissolves in ethanol, acetone, toluene, and dichloromethane for flexible formulation.
Thermoplasticity
Facilitates efficient extrusion granulation and compatibility with various resins and plasticizers.
Product Gallery




Management Platforms
Grade Selection
Wide range of viscosity grades (TZN5 to TZN200) to match specific film toughness requirements.
Precision Synthesis
Controlled alkalization and etherification ensuring uniform substituent distribution.
Quality Assurance
Strict compliance with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 for medical-grade purity.
Solvent Optimization
Optimized alcohol-aromatic hydrocarbon ratios to achieve minimum viscosity for processing.
Storage Safety
Secure packaging in medical polyethylene lined drums, stable for up to 3 years below 32°C.
Application Guidance
Detailed dosage recommendations for coatings (3-20%) and granulation binders (2-6%).
Investment Return Comparison
| Feature/Metric | Standard Cellulose | Our Ethyl Cellulose | Business Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Sensitivity | High / Soluble | Insoluble | Protects Active Ingredients |
| Film Toughness | Moderate | High / Adjustable | Reduces Tablet Fragility |
| Release Profile | Immediate | Sustained / Delayed | Enhances Drug Efficacy |
| Processing Ease | Standard | Thermoplastic | Lower Production Costs |
| Shelf Life | Standard | High Stability (3Y) | Reduced Inventory Waste |
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike HPMC or MC, Ethyl Cellulose is completely insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, making it ideal for water-proof coatings and sustained-release matrices.
Generally, as the viscosity of the Ethyl Cellulose grade increases, the toughness and tensile strength of the resulting film also increase.
It dissolves well in ethanol, acetone, toluene, and dichloromethane. A mixture of toluene and isopropanol (4:1) is commonly used for optimal dissolution.
No. EC should not be used for parenteral medicines or intravenous injections because it is not easily metabolized by the human body.
Store in a dry environment below 32°C, away from open flames, and avoid proximity to materials with strong odors.
For granulation binders, a typical dosage of 2% to 6% is recommended to produce firm tablets with good dissolution properties.


