ATBC

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate — Non-Toxic Bio-Based Plasticiser — Bulk supply across India & International Markets

What is ATBC?

ATBC (Acetyl Tributyl Citrate) is a non-toxic, citrate-ester plasticiser derived from citric acid, making it a bio-based alternative to traditional phthalate plasticisers. It is a colourless to pale yellow oily liquid valued for its excellent plasticising efficiency, low volatility, and favourable safety profile, particularly in applications requiring food contact compliance or biocompatibility, such as food packaging films and medical devices.

Polychem Industries supplies ATBC to food packaging film manufacturers, PVC compounders, medical device producers, and cosmetic formulators across India and internationally. As regulatory and consumer pressure continues to drive the replacement of phthalate plasticisers in sensitive applications, ATBC has become one of the most important citrate-based plasticiser alternatives in commercial use.

Available Grades

GradeFormPurityStandardApplications
Industrial / Food Contact GradeColourless to pale yellow liquid99%+ (Industrial / Food Contact Grade)Food Contact / IndustrialFood packaging films, PVC, medical devices, cosmetics

Applications & Uses

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Food Packaging Films

One of the most important applications. ATBC is widely used as a plasticiser in PVC and other polymer films intended for food contact and food packaging applications, where its non-toxic, citrate-based chemistry provides regulatory compliance advantages over traditional phthalate plasticisers.

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Medical Devices & Tubing

Used as a plasticiser in medical-grade PVC products including IV tubing, blood bags, and other medical devices where biocompatibility and the avoidance of phthalate plasticisers is increasingly required by regulatory standards and healthcare providers.

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Cosmetics & Personal Care

Used as a plasticiser and film-forming aid in nail polish, hair sprays, and other cosmetic formulations, valued for its compatibility with cosmetic ingredients and favourable safety profile.

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PVC Compounds & Coatings

Used as a primary or secondary plasticiser in flexible PVC compounds and coatings requiring food-contact compliance or enhanced safety characteristics compared to conventional phthalate-based plasticiser systems.

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Specialty Polymer Applications

Used in various specialty polymer formulations requiring a non-toxic, low-volatility plasticiser, including certain adhesive and sealant formulations where biocompatibility or food contact status is required.

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Printing Inks & Coatings

Used as a plasticiser component in certain printing ink and coating formulations, particularly those intended for food packaging applications requiring compliance with food contact regulations.

Technical Specifications

ATBC — Key Properties

Chemical FormulaC20H34O8
CAS Number77-90-7
Molecular Weight402.48 g/mol
AppearanceColourless to pale yellow oily liquid
Purity99%+ (Industrial / Food Contact Grade)
Boiling Point173°C (at reduced pressure)
Density1.05 g/cm3 at 20°C
pHNot applicable
Packaging Available200 L drums / IBC tanks
StorageStore in cool, dry place in sealed containers away from direct sunlight. Stable under normal storage conditions.

Why Source ATBC from Polychem Industries?

  • Food Contact Grade compliant for packaging applications
  • Non-toxic, citrate-based alternative to phthalate plasticisers
  • Certificate of Analysis and technical data sheet on request
  • Reliable bulk supply for PVC compounders and medical device manufacturers
  • Competitive pricing with consistent year-round availability
  • Export documentation experience for international shipments

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ATBC preferred over phthalate plasticisers in food packaging?
ATBC is derived from citric acid, a naturally occurring and widely recognised safe compound, giving it a favourable toxicological profile compared to traditional phthalate plasticisers, some of which have faced regulatory restrictions and consumer concern in food contact and medical applications. ATBC provides comparable plasticising performance to many phthalates while offering improved regulatory compliance for sensitive applications.
Is ATBC suitable for medical device applications?
Yes — ATBC is widely used in medical-grade PVC products including tubing and blood bags, where avoiding phthalate plasticisers (such as DEHP) is increasingly required due to health and regulatory concerns, particularly for vulnerable patient populations such as infants and during long-duration medical treatments.
How does ATBC performance compare to traditional plasticisers like DOP/DEHP?
ATBC offers good plasticising efficiency, low volatility, and good low-temperature flexibility, generally comparable to many phthalate plasticisers, though specific performance characteristics can vary by application. The primary advantage of ATBC lies in its improved safety and regulatory profile for food contact, medical, and other sensitive applications, rather than necessarily superior raw plasticising performance.
Do you export ATBC outside India?
Yes. We export to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and South Africa with full export documentation. Contact us for export pricing and lead times.

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