Difference between revisions of "Cellulose acetate" - New World Encyclopedia
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Approved}}{{Contracted}} | {{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Approved}}{{Contracted}} | ||
| − | '''Cellulose acetate''' | + | '''Cellulose acetate''' is the [[acetate]]* [[ester]]* of [[cellulose]]*. Cellulose acetate is used as a synthetic [[fiber]], a [[film base]]* in [[photography]], and as a component in some [[adhesive]]s. |
| − | + | * Cellulose acetate or acetate rayon fiber is one of the earliest forms of synthetic fibers and is based on cotton or tree [[pulp]]* [[cellulose]]*. This type of fiber is therefore known as a "cellulosic fiber" or "biopolymer". | |
| − | + | ==History== | |
| + | |||
| + | Cellulose acetate was first introduced in 1904 by Camille Dreyfus and his younger brother Henri, based on chemical experiments they had performed in a shed in their father's garden in Basel, [[Switzerland]]. Given their father's interest in a chemical factory, his influence was probably a factor in their choice of careers. Basel was a center of the dyestuffs industry, and their first achievement was the development of synthetic indigo dyes. In search of a field that offered limitless possibilities, they chose to make cellulose acetate products, including fibers for textile use. | ||
| + | |||
| + | For five years, the Dreyfus brothers studied and experimented in a systematic manner in Switzerland and [[France]]. By 1910, they had perfected acetate lacquers and plastic film and opened a factory in Basel capable of producing about three tons a day. The film was sold largely to the celluloid industry in France and Germany, and to Pathe Fréres in Paris for nonflammable motion-picture film base. A small but growing amount of acetate lacquer, called "dope", was sold to the expanding aircraft industry to coat the fabric covering wings and fuselage. | ||
| + | |||
| + | By 1913, the brothers produced excellent laboratory samples of continuous-filament acetate yarn. The outbreak of the First World War postponed commercial production of the yarn until 1921. The war necessitated rapid expansion of the Basel factory, which terminated its trade with Germany and exclusively supplied the Allied Governments with acetate "dope" for military aircraft. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In November 1914, the British Government invited Dr. Camille Dreyfus to come to England to manufacture acetate "dope". In 1917, the War Department of the U.S. government invited him to establish a similar factory in the [[United States]]. After about six weeks, a contract was negotiated for sale of acetate "dope" to the War Department and a plant site was sought. Dr. Dreyfus and his associates started construction of the American company at [[Cumberland, Maryland]]* in 1918, but the war was over before the plant could be completed. Nonetheless, construction of the plant continued, the early management team began to assemble, and the organization in England completed development of the first commercially successful acetate textile yarn. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In 1921, the British company produced the first commercial cellulose acetate yarn. It was sold primarily for crocheting, trimming, and effect threads and for popular-priced linings. The first yarn spun in America was on Christmas Day, 1924, at the [[Cumberland, Maryland]]* plant. It was trademarked as Celanese. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The first yarn was of fair quality, but sales resistance was heavy, as silk associates worked zealously to discredit acetate and discourage its use. Acetate, however, became an enormous success as a fiber for moiré, because its thermoplastic quality made the moiré design absolutely permanent. The same characteristic also made permanent pleating a commercial fact for the first time, and gave great style impetus to the whole dress industry. | ||
| − | ==Cellulose acetate film== | + | The mixing of silk and acetate in fabrics was accomplished at an early stage, and almost at once cotton was also blended. As a result, it became possible to produce low-cost fabrics by using a fiber that was cheaper than silk or acetate. Today, acetate is blended with silk, cotton, wool, nylon, and other materials to provide fabrics with excellent wrinkle recovery, good handling and draping qualities, quick-drying ability, proper dimensional stability, and cross-dye pattern potential, at a very competitive price. |
| + | |||
| + | ===Cellulose acetate film=== | ||
Cellulose acetate (triacetate) photographic film was introduced in 1934 as a replacement for the unstable and highly flammable [[celluloid]] film stock that had previously been standard. In addition, acetate film became the base for [[magnetic tape]]* prior to the advent of polyester film. | Cellulose acetate (triacetate) photographic film was introduced in 1934 as a replacement for the unstable and highly flammable [[celluloid]] film stock that had previously been standard. In addition, acetate film became the base for [[magnetic tape]]* prior to the advent of polyester film. | ||
| Line 12: | Line 26: | ||
The disadvantage with acetate film is that it deteriorates in the presence of [[oxygen]] to an unusable state, releasing [[acetic acid]]*. This is known as the "[[vinegar syndrome]]*." For this reason, [[polyester]]* film stock (sometimes referred to under Kodak's trade name "Estar") has become more commonplace since the 1980s, particularly for archival applications. Acetate film stock is still used in some applications, such as camera negative for motion pictures. | The disadvantage with acetate film is that it deteriorates in the presence of [[oxygen]] to an unusable state, releasing [[acetic acid]]*. This is known as the "[[vinegar syndrome]]*." For this reason, [[polyester]]* film stock (sometimes referred to under Kodak's trade name "Estar") has become more commonplace since the 1980s, particularly for archival applications. Acetate film stock is still used in some applications, such as camera negative for motion pictures. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Production== |
| + | |||
| + | The [[Federal Trade Commission]]* defines acetate fiber as "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 [[cellulose triacetate|triacetate]]* may be used as a generic description of the fiber." | ||
| − | + | Steps in the production process:<ref name="Kadolph">Kadolph, Sara J. and Anna L. Langford (2001). "Textiles'' (Ninth Edition). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.</ref> | |
| − | This | + | *1) Cellulose is purified from wood pulp or cotton linters |
| + | *2) This cellulose is mixed with glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and a catalyst ([[sulfuric acid]]) | ||
| + | *3) The mix is allowed to age for 20 hours, when partial hydrolysis occurs (and sulfate groups are removed) | ||
| + | *4) Cellulose acetate is precipitated as acid-resin flakes | ||
| + | *5) The flakes are dissolved in [[acetone]] (a volatile solvent) | ||
| + | *6) The solution is filtered | ||
| + | *7) The spinning solution extruded in the form of filaments in a column of warm air. The solvent evaporates and is recovered | ||
| + | *8) The filaments are stretched and wound onto beams, cones, or bobbins ready for use. | ||
| − | + | ===Acetate and triacetate fibers=== | |
| + | |||
| + | Cellulose acetate and triacetate are mistakenly thought of as the same fiber. Although they are similar, their molecular structures differ. Triacetate is known as the generic or "primary" acetate, containing no hydroxyl (OH) group. Triacetate fibers are no longer produced in the United States. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Cellulose acetate fiber, by contrast, is known as a modified or "secondary" acetate containing a few hydroxyl groups. It is often referred to simply as "acetate."<ref name="Kadolph"/> | ||
==Fiber Properties== | ==Fiber Properties== | ||
| − | Acetate is a valuable manufactured fiber that is low in cost and has good draping qualities. Given its properties, it has been promoted as the “beauty fiber” | + | Acetate is a valuable manufactured fiber that is low in cost and has good draping qualities. Given its properties, it has been promoted as the “beauty fiber”.<ref name="Kadolph"/> It is used in fabrics such as [[satin]]*s, [[brocade]]*s, and [[taffeta]]*s to accentuate luster, body, drape, and beauty. |
*Hand: soft, smooth, dry, crisp, resilient | *Hand: soft, smooth, dry, crisp, resilient | ||
| Line 36: | Line 63: | ||
*Dyeability: (two methods) cross-dying method where yarns of one fiber and those of another fiber are woven into a fabric in a desired pattern; solution-dying method provides excellent color fastness under the effects of sunlight, perspiration, air contaminants and washing [1] | *Dyeability: (two methods) cross-dying method where yarns of one fiber and those of another fiber are woven into a fabric in a desired pattern; solution-dying method provides excellent color fastness under the effects of sunlight, perspiration, air contaminants and washing [1] | ||
| − | + | ==Acetate Fiber Characteristics== | |
| − | |||
| − | == | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
* cellulosic and thermoplastic | * cellulosic and thermoplastic | ||
* selective absorption and removal of low levels of certain organic chemicals | * selective absorption and removal of low levels of certain organic chemicals | ||
| Line 87: | Line 81: | ||
==Major industrial acetate fiber uses== | ==Major industrial acetate fiber uses== | ||
| − | * | + | * Apparel: linings, blouses, dresses, wedding and party attire, home furnishings, draperies, upholstery, and slip covers. |
| − | * | + | * Industrial uses: cigarette filters, ink reservoirs for fiber-tip pens. |
| − | * | + | * High-absorbency products: diapers, surgical products, and other filters. |
| − | * | + | * Toys: the original [[Lego]]* bricks, made from 1949 to 1957. |
| − | == | + | ==Trade names and manufacturers== |
| − | |||
| − | + | *Celanese (forms produced: flake and tow)—*Celanese Acetate | |
| + | *Celstar—*Celanese Acetate | ||
| + | *Chromspun—*Eastman Chemical Company | ||
| + | *Estron—*Eastman Chemical Company | ||
| + | *MicroSafe--*Celanese Acetate | ||
| + | *Zylonite (often called "Zyl") | ||
| − | + | ''* Voridian Company is an operating division of Eastman Chemical Company'' | |
| − | + | Voridian introduced acetate tow in 1952 and remains a leading manufacturer today. Voridian sells acetate tow under the trademark Estron[5]. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Revision as of 17:55, 22 January 2007
Cellulose acetate is the acetate ester of cellulose. Cellulose acetate is used as a synthetic fiber, a film base in photography, and as a component in some adhesives.
- Cellulose acetate or acetate rayon fiber is one of the earliest forms of synthetic fibers and is based on cotton or tree pulp cellulose. This type of fiber is therefore known as a "cellulosic fiber" or "biopolymer".
History
Cellulose acetate was first introduced in 1904 by Camille Dreyfus and his younger brother Henri, based on chemical experiments they had performed in a shed in their father's garden in Basel, Switzerland. Given their father's interest in a chemical factory, his influence was probably a factor in their choice of careers. Basel was a center of the dyestuffs industry, and their first achievement was the development of synthetic indigo dyes. In search of a field that offered limitless possibilities, they chose to make cellulose acetate products, including fibers for textile use.
For five years, the Dreyfus brothers studied and experimented in a systematic manner in Switzerland and France. By 1910, they had perfected acetate lacquers and plastic film and opened a factory in Basel capable of producing about three tons a day. The film was sold largely to the celluloid industry in France and Germany, and to Pathe Fréres in Paris for nonflammable motion-picture film base. A small but growing amount of acetate lacquer, called "dope", was sold to the expanding aircraft industry to coat the fabric covering wings and fuselage.
By 1913, the brothers produced excellent laboratory samples of continuous-filament acetate yarn. The outbreak of the First World War postponed commercial production of the yarn until 1921. The war necessitated rapid expansion of the Basel factory, which terminated its trade with Germany and exclusively supplied the Allied Governments with acetate "dope" for military aircraft.
In November 1914, the British Government invited Dr. Camille Dreyfus to come to England to manufacture acetate "dope". In 1917, the War Department of the U.S. government invited him to establish a similar factory in the United States. After about six weeks, a contract was negotiated for sale of acetate "dope" to the War Department and a plant site was sought. Dr. Dreyfus and his associates started construction of the American company at Cumberland, Maryland in 1918, but the war was over before the plant could be completed. Nonetheless, construction of the plant continued, the early management team began to assemble, and the organization in England completed development of the first commercially successful acetate textile yarn.
In 1921, the British company produced the first commercial cellulose acetate yarn. It was sold primarily for crocheting, trimming, and effect threads and for popular-priced linings. The first yarn spun in America was on Christmas Day, 1924, at the Cumberland, Maryland plant. It was trademarked as Celanese.
The first yarn was of fair quality, but sales resistance was heavy, as silk associates worked zealously to discredit acetate and discourage its use. Acetate, however, became an enormous success as a fiber for moiré, because its thermoplastic quality made the moiré design absolutely permanent. The same characteristic also made permanent pleating a commercial fact for the first time, and gave great style impetus to the whole dress industry.
The mixing of silk and acetate in fabrics was accomplished at an early stage, and almost at once cotton was also blended. As a result, it became possible to produce low-cost fabrics by using a fiber that was cheaper than silk or acetate. Today, acetate is blended with silk, cotton, wool, nylon, and other materials to provide fabrics with excellent wrinkle recovery, good handling and draping qualities, quick-drying ability, proper dimensional stability, and cross-dye pattern potential, at a very competitive price.
Cellulose acetate film
Cellulose acetate (triacetate) photographic film was introduced in 1934 as a replacement for the unstable and highly flammable celluloid film stock that had previously been standard. In addition, acetate film became the base for magnetic tape prior to the advent of polyester film.
The disadvantage with acetate film is that it deteriorates in the presence of oxygen to an unusable state, releasing acetic acid. This is known as the "vinegar syndrome." For this reason, polyester film stock (sometimes referred to under Kodak's trade name "Estar") has become more commonplace since the 1980s, particularly for archival applications. Acetate film stock is still used in some applications, such as camera negative for motion pictures.
Production
The Federal Trade Commission defines acetate fiber as "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."
Steps in the production process:[1]
- 1) Cellulose is purified from wood pulp or cotton linters
- 2) This cellulose is mixed with glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and a catalyst (sulfuric acid)
- 3) The mix is allowed to age for 20 hours, when partial hydrolysis occurs (and sulfate groups are removed)
- 4) Cellulose acetate is precipitated as acid-resin flakes
- 5) The flakes are dissolved in acetone (a volatile solvent)
- 6) The solution is filtered
- 7) The spinning solution extruded in the form of filaments in a column of warm air. The solvent evaporates and is recovered
- 8) The filaments are stretched and wound onto beams, cones, or bobbins ready for use.
Acetate and triacetate fibers
Cellulose acetate and triacetate are mistakenly thought of as the same fiber. Although they are similar, their molecular structures differ. Triacetate is known as the generic or "primary" acetate, containing no hydroxyl (OH) group. Triacetate fibers are no longer produced in the United States.
Cellulose acetate fiber, by contrast, is known as a modified or "secondary" acetate containing a few hydroxyl groups. It is often referred to simply as "acetate."[1]
Fiber Properties
Acetate is a valuable manufactured fiber that is low in cost and has good draping qualities. Given its properties, it has been promoted as the “beauty fiber”.[1] It is used in fabrics such as satins, brocades, and taffetas to accentuate luster, body, drape, and beauty.
- Hand: soft, smooth, dry, crisp, resilient
- Comfort: breathes, wicks, dries quickly, no static cling
- Drape: linings move with the body linings conform to the garment
- Color: deep brilliant shades with atmospheric dyeing meet colorfastness requirements
- Luster: light reflection creates a signature appearance
- Performance: colorfast to perspiration staining, colorfast to dry cleaning, air and vapor permeable
- Tenacity: weak fiber with breaking tenacity of 1.2 to 1.4 g/d; rapidly loses strength when wet; must be dry cleaned
- Environmentally friendly: made from wood pulp of reforested trees
- Abrasion: poor resistance
- Heat retention: poor thermal retention; no allergenic potential (hypoallergenic)
- Dyeability: (two methods) cross-dying method where yarns of one fiber and those of another fiber are woven into a fabric in a desired pattern; solution-dying method provides excellent color fastness under the effects of sunlight, perspiration, air contaminants and washing [1]
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: linings, blouses, dresses, wedding and party attire, home furnishings, draperies, upholstery, and slip covers.
- Industrial uses: cigarette filters, ink reservoirs for fiber-tip pens.
- High-absorbency products: diapers, surgical products, and other filters.
- Toys: the original Lego bricks, made from 1949 to 1957.
Trade names and manufacturers
- Celanese (forms produced: flake and tow)—*Celanese Acetate
- Celstar—*Celanese Acetate
- Chromspun—*Eastman Chemical Company
- Estron—*Eastman Chemical Company
- MicroSafe—*Celanese Acetate
- Zylonite (often called "Zyl")
* Voridian Company is an operating division of Eastman Chemical Company
Voridian introduced acetate tow in 1952 and remains a leading manufacturer today. Voridian sells acetate tow under the trademark Estron[5].
See also
Footnotes
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Kadolph, Sara J. and Anna L. Langford, (2001). "Textiles (Ninth Edition). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. ISBN 0130254436; (ISBN-13: 978-0130254436).
- [2]Cellulose acetate history and properties. Retrieved December 31, 2006.
- [3]Acetate fiber fibersource.com. Retrieved December 31, 2006.
- [4]teonline
- [5]eastman
External links
Credits
New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:
The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:
Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.
