Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Tube

Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Tube is a transparent, UV-resistant thermoplastic component derived from cellulose, modified through balanced acetate and butyrate substitution to enhance durability and processability. This composition imparts high optical clarity, dimensional stability, and resistance to moisture and chemical degradation, making it suitable for precision and long-term use in varied environments. Industries such as optical instrumentation, laboratory equipment manufacturing, and specialty fluid handling utilize CAB tubing for its low water absorption and stability under fluctuating temperatures. Specific applications include light-transmitting housings in optical sensors, chemically resistant fluid conduits in analytical instruments, and protective sleeves for sensitive electronic wiring. Research applications explore CAB tubing in the design of sustainable biopolymer-based devices, development of gas separation membranes, and optimization of polymer–plasticizer interactions for tailored mechanical performance. Its combination of renewable origins, stable mechanical performance, and adaptability in high-specification fabrication underscores its importance in modern industrial and scientific material design.

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Tolerance

Properties

Reference & Citations

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Tolerances

Tube

Outside Diameter	=<2mm	±10%
Outside Diameter	=<5mm	±10%
Outside Diameter	>5mm	±10%
Wall Thickness		±20%

Material Properties for Polymers

Physical Properties

Element	Value
Abbe number	80-84
Flammability	HB
Radiation resistance	Fair
Refractive index	1.478
Resistance to Ultra-violet	Good
Limiting oxygen index( % )	17
Water absorption - over 24 hours( % )	0.9-2.2
Density( gcm⁻³ )	1.2

Chemical Resistance

Element	Value
Acids - dilute	Fair-Poor
Alcohols	Poor
Alkalis	Fair-Poor
Aromatic hydrocarbons	Poor
Greases and Oils	Good-Poor
Halogenated Hydrocarbons	Poor
Halogens	Poor
Ketones	Poor

Electrical Properties

Element	Value
Dielectric constant @1MHz	2.5-6.2
Dissipation factor @ 1kHz	0.04
Dielectric strength( kV mm⁻¹ )	10
Volume resistivity( Ohmcm )	10¹¹-10¹⁵

Mechanical Properties

Element	Value
Hardness - Rockwell	99
Elongation at break( % )	60
Tensile modulus( GPa )	0.3-2
Izod impact strength( J m⁻¹ )	260
Tensile strength( MPa )	20-60

Thermal Properties

Element	Value
Heat-deflection temperature - 0.45MPa( C )	73
Heat-deflection temperature - 1.8MPa( C )	62
Lower working temperature( C )	<-40
Upper working temperature( C )	60-100
Thermal conductivity( W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ )	0.16-0.32@23°C
Coefficient of thermal expansion( x10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ )	140