ACETATE & TRIACETATE FIBRE
Acetate fiber is the man-made fiber that is made of cellulose acetate, which is the acetic acid ester of cellulose. It has a very long history, and was first produced in 1923 by an English company, Celanese, in the form of diacetate silk.
Acetate and triacetate
The term acetate fibres is used to describe fibres made from cellulose acetate. The difference between acetate and triacetate fibres lies in the number of the cellulose hydroxyl groups that are acetylated. For acetate fibres the number lies between 75% and 92%, for triacetate fibres it is more than 92%.
Production Process of Acetate Fiber
Acetate fiber is produced by reacting high purity wood pulp with acetic anhydride. The acetate flakes that are produced through this chemical reaction are dissolved in a solvent, filtered, and adjusted to obtain spinning stock solution. The spinning stock solution is extruded through controlled nozzles with extremely small pore diameters ranging from 30 to 50μm. The solvent is then evaporated, and the yarns are formed. This process for producing acetate fiber is known as the dry spinning method. The cross-section of acetate fiber is called a “chrysanthemum,” and is shaped uniquely with many lobes. After the spinning stock has been extruded through the pores, it takes on a round-shaped cross-section. However, rapid evaporation of the solvent from the surface results in the formation of a skin layer on the surface of the fiber. After that, evaporation of the solvent from the inside of the fiber causes the skin layer to cave in toward the fiber cross-section, giving rise to the final multi-lobal cross-section.
Acetate and triacetate
The term acetate fibres is used to describe fibres made from cellulose acetate. The difference between acetate and triacetate fibres lies in the number of the cellulose hydroxyl groups that are acetylated. For acetate fibres the number lies between 75% and 92%, for triacetate fibres it is more than 92%.
Production Process of Acetate Fiber
Acetate fiber is produced by reacting high purity wood pulp with acetic anhydride. The acetate flakes that are produced through this chemical reaction are dissolved in a solvent, filtered, and adjusted to obtain spinning stock solution. The spinning stock solution is extruded through controlled nozzles with extremely small pore diameters ranging from 30 to 50μm. The solvent is then evaporated, and the yarns are formed. This process for producing acetate fiber is known as the dry spinning method. The cross-section of acetate fiber is called a “chrysanthemum,” and is shaped uniquely with many lobes. After the spinning stock has been extruded through the pores, it takes on a round-shaped cross-section. However, rapid evaporation of the solvent from the surface results in the formation of a skin layer on the surface of the fiber. After that, evaporation of the solvent from the inside of the fiber causes the skin layer to cave in toward the fiber cross-section, giving rise to the final multi-lobal cross-section.
2. Characteristics of Acetate Fiber
Acetate fiber can be classified as diacetate fiber and triacetate fiber. Diacetate (generally known as acetate) is defined as cellulose acetate fiber for which more than 74% and less than 92% hydroxyl has been acetylated (degree of esterification above 2.22 and below 2.76). Triacetate is defined as cellulose acetate fiber for which more than 92% hydroxyl has been acetylated (degree of esterification above 2.76 and below 3.00).
One of the drawbacks that acetate has is its poor fiber strength. However, by combining it with other fibers that have sufficient strength, such as polyester, it has become possible to use acetate fibers for practical applications. Polyester fiber has a mottled appearance and elasticity, so it can add to the texture of acetate fiber. The combination of the two fibers can produce knitted and woven fabric that feels wonderful on the skin.
Acetate fiber can be classified as diacetate fiber and triacetate fiber. Diacetate (generally known as acetate) is defined as cellulose acetate fiber for which more than 74% and less than 92% hydroxyl has been acetylated (degree of esterification above 2.22 and below 2.76). Triacetate is defined as cellulose acetate fiber for which more than 92% hydroxyl has been acetylated (degree of esterification above 2.76 and below 3.00).
- Feels natural and is gentle on the skin
- Elegant gloss and chromogenic quality
- Drapes lightly and flexibly
- Ideal water absorption and quick-drying qualities
- Does not shrink easily, so provides stability for dimensions and measurements
- Strong pleating durability (triacetate)
- No worries of pilling
- Relatively high temperature range for safe ironing
- Does not stain easily, and stains are easy to remove
One of the drawbacks that acetate has is its poor fiber strength. However, by combining it with other fibers that have sufficient strength, such as polyester, it has become possible to use acetate fibers for practical applications. Polyester fiber has a mottled appearance and elasticity, so it can add to the texture of acetate fiber. The combination of the two fibers can produce knitted and woven fabric that feels wonderful on the skin.
3. Applications of Triacetate Fiber and Diacetate Fiber
Acetate fibers are characterized by their silk-like gloss and texture. Typically, they are combined with other fibers such as rayon and polyester to produce ladies’ apparel. In particular, triacetate fiber has a soft texture and drapes well. It is therefore ideal for use in luxury couture for women. Diacetate fiber is also used for sleepwear, lining for clothes, gift box lining, labels and tags attached to clothes, ribbons, packing tape, and other sundry goods.
Acetate fibers are characterized by their silk-like gloss and texture. Typically, they are combined with other fibers such as rayon and polyester to produce ladies’ apparel. In particular, triacetate fiber has a soft texture and drapes well. It is therefore ideal for use in luxury couture for women. Diacetate fiber is also used for sleepwear, lining for clothes, gift box lining, labels and tags attached to clothes, ribbons, packing tape, and other sundry goods.
