Physical and Chemical Properties of Acetate Fiber

In our previous post, we learned about What is Acetate Fiber and its Characteristics. In this article, we will learn the Properties of Acetate Fiber.

What is Acetate Fiber?

Acetate Fiber is the acetate ester of cellulose. It was first prepared in 1865. Cellulose acetate is used as a film base in photography, as a component in some coatings, and as a frame material for eyeglasses; it is also used as a synthetic fiber in the manufacture of cigarette filters and playing cards. In the photographic film, cellulose acetate replaced nitrate film in the 1950s, is far less flammable and cheaper to produce.

Characteristics of Acetate Fiber:

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 wood pulp, a renewable resource
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 washed or dry cleaned; generally does not shrink

Physical Properties Of Acetate Fiber

Acetate filament: It is in broken strands. The length relies on the capacity of the winding mechanism. Modern winders hold many pounds of yarns with one or two knots per cone.
Acetate staple fiber: It can be cut into the desired length. Commonly desired lengths are 1.50, 2, 2.50, and 3 inches tall 7 inches for silk industries.
Fineness: The diameter of the strand ranges from 1.5 to 4.1 deniers for filaments and 1.5 to 20 deniers for staple fibers.
Appearance and Color: The luster and color may be as desired. Bright luster may be received by lesser twist. The staple is not as lustrous as filaments. Various shades from paler tints to heavy may be acquired as they are the whitest fibers.
Density: The density ranges from 1.25 to 1.33 gm per cc. relying on the methods of measurement and moisture at the time of making.
Absorption: The hygroscopicity is corresponding to cellulose but absorption is much less since hydroxyl groups are removed by acetyl groups.
Tenacity: The wet strength is 65% of dry strength. The fibers can be changed in tenacity by the manufacturers.
Elasticity: Under general situations, elastic recovery of fiber is completed within a few seconds. But for a longer time and heavier load creep, deterioration or clearage occurs.
Thermal properties: It is a thermoplastic material. With temperature it becomes soft. It can be ironed at a temperature up to 250⁰ F. Above this sticking and melting occur.
Conductivity: It is a perfect insulator. The static electricity is created by friction.

Chemical Properties Of Acetate Fiber

Effect of alkalis: It is stable to water even at a boil and can withstand soap solutions and alkalis at normal temperatures.
Effect of acids: It is unaffected by a thin solution but is attacked by strong acids. The degradation of molecules occurs and the chain breaks.
Effect of oxidizing agents: Mild oxidizing agents may be utilized i.e. chlorine is old and mild peroxide.
Effect of organisms: It is resistant to attack by bacteria and mildew but it is attacked by the moth which makes holes in the fabric.

Major End Uses of Acetate: