CAB LP
Grade
LP = low-plasticizer (rigid, high-heat) grade
Choose for maximum stiffness, hardness, dimensional stability and heat-deflection temperature; accepts lower impact strength.
Values for the LP condition
Other CAB grades and fills
CAB is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at CAB.
Compare all 3 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High-plasticizer (soft, high-flow) grade | Pick when maximum toughness, soft touch and easy flow matter more than stiffness or heat resistance (tool handles, dip coatings, flexible tubing). | 18 | 21 | 85 | 63 Shore D |
LPThis page Low-plasticizer (rigid, high-heat) grade | Choose for maximum stiffness, hardness, dimensional stability and heat-deflection temperature; accepts lower impact strength. | 42 | 44 | 40 | 81 Shore D |
Unplasticized coating/ink resin flake | Solvent-soluble CAB flake used as a flow/levelling, redispersion and hardness additive in automotive coatings, wood lacquers and inks. | 50 | 55 | 12 | 85 Shore D |
What is CAB LP?
CAB LP is CAB in the LP grade — choose for maximum stiffness, hardness, dimensional stability and heat-deflection temperature; accepts lower impact strength. CAB LP has a yield strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) and a tensile strength of 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) — weaker than 62% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 1.9 GPa (0.276 Msi). CAB LP has a density of 1.21 g/cm³ (0.0437 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 115°C (239 °F).
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 88/100, better than 95% of polymer grades
- Easy to machine — 82/100, better than 86% of polymer grades
- Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.35%, better than 86% of polymer grades
- Good UV / weathering resistance — 70/100, better than 83% of polymer grades
- Forms and bends easily — 80/100, better than 75% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 50/100, worse than 97% of polymer grades
- Absorbs moisture — dry before molding — 1%, worse than 84% of polymer grades
CAB LP properties
Typical room-temperature values for CAB LP; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are CAB reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical6
CAB LP has a density of 1.21 g/cm³ (0.0437 lb/in³), heavier than 60% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 115°C (239 °F).
Mechanical16
CAB LP has a yield strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) and a tensile strength of 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) — weaker than 62% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 40% and the elastic modulus is 1.9 GPa (0.276 Msi).
Thermal11
CAB LP is rated for continuous service to 82°C (180 °F). It conducts heat at 0.2 W/m·K (0.116 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 56% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 115 µm/m·K (63.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
CAB LP is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 16 kV/mm (406.4 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (50/100), worse than 97% of polymer grades. UV resistance is very good.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CAB LP takes about 105 MJ of energy and emits 4.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 54% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability8
CAB LP's machinability is very good (82/100, better than 86% of polymer grades); weldability good (60/100); formability very good (80/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with CAB LP
Is CAB easy to machine?
Machines and turns cleanly with sharp positive-rake tools and generous chip clearance; use air or light coolant to avoid heat softening and plasticizer bloom.
Can CAB be welded?
Joins readily by solvent cementing (acetone/MEK blends) or hot-plate/ultrasonic welding; hot-gas welding is possible but degrades easily above ~230 °C.
Can CAB be formed, bent or molded?
Dry 2–3 h at 70–80 °C before molding; melt 175–230 °C, mold 40–80 °C, low back pressure — sheet thermoforms and cold-bends very easily.
What surface finishes work on CAB?
Buffs to a deep high gloss (classic eyewear finish), takes solvent-based lacquers, printing inks and vacuum metallizing well; avoid aggressive ketone cleaners.
CAB chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| butyryl contentwt % of ester substitution; higher butyryl = softer, more solvent-tolerant | 17 – 55 | 37 |
| acetyl contentwt % of ester substitution | 2 – 30 | 13 |
| hydroxyl contentresidual free OH, controls polarity/crosslinkability | 0.8 – 5 | 1.5 |
| plasticizer (e.g. adipate/phthalate/citr0 % in coating flake; 15–25 % in soft molding compounds | 0 – 25 | 12 |
| stabilizers / UV absorber / colorant | 0 – 3 | 1 |
| cellulose backbone (anhydroglucose unitswood pulp / cotton linter derived | balance | — |
CAB LP — frequently asked
What is CAB LP used for?
CAB LP is typically used for tool handles, steering wheels, pen barrels, outdoor signage, lighting fixtures and automotive trim. In short: most weatherable cellulosic; 60 % elongation, tough; best cellulosic for outdoors.
What is the yield strength of CAB LP?
CAB LP has a typical yield strength of 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) and a tensile strength of 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) — weaker than 62% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is CAB LP easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (82/100, better than 86% of polymer grades). Machines and turns cleanly with sharp positive-rake tools and generous chip clearance; use air or light coolant to avoid heat softening and plasticizer bloom.
Can CAB LP be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Joins readily by solvent cementing (acetone/MEK blends) or hot-plate/ultrasonic welding; hot-gas welding is possible but degrades easily above ~230 °C.
What surface finishes work on CAB LP?
Buffs to a deep high gloss (classic eyewear finish), takes solvent-based lacquers, printing inks and vacuum metallizing well; avoid aggressive ketone cleaners.
Can CAB LP be formed, bent or molded?
Dry 2–3 h at 70–80 °C before molding; melt 175–230 °C, mold 40–80 °C, low back pressure — sheet thermoforms and cold-bends very easily.
What is the maximum service temperature of CAB LP?
CAB LP is rated for continuous use to about 82°C (180 °F), and briefly to 95°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASTM D707 — Standard Specification for Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Molding and Extrusion Compounds — ASTM International (2020)
- ASTM D817 — Test Methods for Cellulose Acetate Propionate and Cellulose Acetate Butyrate — ASTM International (2020)
- Tenite Butyrate cellulosic plastics — property and processing data — Eastman Chemical (2022)
- CAB (cellulose acetate butyrate) coating resins technical data — Eastman Chemical (2021)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics — ASM International (1988)
- CAMPUS / Prospector cellulose ester datasets — CWFG / UL Solutions (2024)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.