Non-phthalate plasticizers: Citriflex 84 (ATBC)

Acetyl tributyl citrate, a non-phthalate, bio-based, food-contact-capable plasticizer for cellulosics, PVC, inks, and adhesives, from North American stock.

Home Products Plasticizers Non-phthalate

Why ATBC, and when

When a formulation has to drop phthalates, the plasticizer has to do two things at once. It has to hold the flexibility, low-temperature behavior, and processing the part was built around, and it has to clear the documentation for food contact, medical, or children's-product use. Citriflex 84 covers both.

What Citriflex 84 is

Citriflex 84 is acetyl tributyl citrate, ATBC, CAS 77-90-7. It is a citrate ester plasticizer made from citric acid, a tricarboxylic acid produced by fermentation, esterified with butanol and then acetylated. That feedstock gives it a measurable bio-based carbon content by ASTM D6866 and keeps it off the phthalate list.

It is a low-volatility plasticizer with strong polymer compatibility. Low volatility shows up as better heat aging and less weight loss in service than comparably performing phthalate plasticizers.

Where ATBC fits

Cellulosics and nitrocellulose

Plasticizes cellulose acetate and nitrocellulose lacquers and films, with low volatility, resistance to yellowing, and good adhesion to metal. A long-standing choice in nitrocellulose food-packaging inks.

Flexible PVC

The established non-phthalate plasticizer for PVC that needs food-contact, medical, or children's-product compliance, including cling and lidding film, blood bags, and IV tubing where DEHP restrictions apply.

Acrylics and adhesives

A non-phthalate plasticizer in acrylic systems and adhesives.

Personal care

A plasticizer and emollient in nail polish, tablet coatings, and topical formulations.

Documentation and compliance

DEHP, DBP, and BBP are restricted under EU REACH, California Prop 65, and CPSC children's-product rules, and the regulated phthalate list keeps growing. ATBC is non-phthalate and food-contact capable, which is why it carries into the applications phthalates are leaving. We provide food-contact and bio-based documentation on request. Tell us the standard you have to meet and we will pull what speaks to it.

Supply

We stock Citriflex 84 in North American warehouses and ship across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Samples typically go out the same business day, and we arrange direct container shipments for commercial volumes. If you are moving off a phthalate or qualifying a second ATBC source, cross-references to commonly specified citrate plasticizer grades are available on request.

Frequently asked questions

Is ATBC bio-based?

Yes. ATBC is made from citric acid produced by fermentation, and it carries a measurable bio-based carbon content by ASTM D6866.

Is ATBC approved for food contact?

ATBC is food-contact capable and is widely used in food-packaging film and nitrocellulose food-packaging inks. Specific compliance depends on the application; documentation is available on request.

Can ATBC replace DEHP in medical PVC?

ATBC is the established non-phthalate plasticizer for medical PVC such as blood bags and IV tubing where DEHP restrictions apply. Qualification should be run in your own system.

Moving off a phthalate?

Tell us your application and the standard you have to meet. We will send a sample and the documentation that speaks to it.