Acetate can refer to
cellulose acetate, especially
fibers or other derived products.
Cellulose acetate or acetate rayon
fiber (1924) is one of the earliest
synthetic fibers
and is based on cotton or tree pulp cellulose
("biopolymers"). These "cellulosic fibers" have
passed their peak as cheap petro-based fibers (nylon
and
polyester) and have
displaced regenerated pulp fibers.
It was invented by two Swiss brothers, Doctors Camille and
Henri Dreyfus, who originally began chemical research in a
shed behind their father's house in
Basel,
Switzerland. In 1905, Camille and Henri developed a
commercial process to manufacture cellulose acetate. The
Dreyfus brothers initially focused on cellulose acetate
film, which was then widely used in
celluloid plastics and
motion picture film. By 1913, Camille and Henri's
studies and experiments had produced excellent laboratory
samples of continuous filament acetate yarn. In 1924, the
first commercial acetate filament was spun in the United
States and trademarked as Celanese.
Acetate fiber characteristics
- cellulosic and thermoplastic
- selective absorption and removal of low levels
of certain organic chemicals
- easily bonded with plasticizers, heat, and
pressure
- acetate is soluble in many common solvents
(especially acetone and other organic solvents)
and can be modified to be soluble in alternative
solvents, including water
- hydrophilic: acetate wets easily, with good
liquid transport and excellent absorption; in
textile applications, it provides comfort and
absorbency, but also loses strength when wet
- acetate fibers are
hypoallergenic
- high surface area
- made from a renewable resource: reforested
trees.
- can be composted or incinerated
- can be dyed, however special dyes and pigments
are required since acetate does not accept dyes
ordinarily used for cotton and rayon (this also
allows cross-dyeing)
- resistant to mold and mildew
- easily weakened by strong alkaline solutions
and strong oxidizing agents.
- can usually be wet cleaned or dry cleaned and
generally does not shrink
Major industrial acetate fiber uses
- apparel: blouses, dresses, linings, wedding
and party attire, home furnishings, draperies,
upholstery and slip covers
- high absorbency products: diapers, feminine
hygiene products, cigarette filters, surgical
products, and other filters
Production
The
Federal Trade Commission definition for acetate
fiber is "A manufactured fiber in which the
fiber-forming substance is cellulose acetate. Where
not less than 92 percent of the hydroxyl groups are
acetylated, the term triacetate may be used as a
generic description of the fiber."
