Acetate, << AS uh tayt, >> is a manufactured fiber produced from wood. It is delicate and resembles silk in feel and appearance. Acetate is used primarily in textiles, especially draperies, linings for clothing, and formal wear.
In a common method of acetate production, called acetylation, pulped wood is mixed with acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and sulfuric acid. The mixture is added to water, and white flakes of cellulose acetate form. The flakes are dried and dissolved in acetone. The resulting solution, pure or with dyes added, is then forced through a spinneret (plate with tiny holes), forming a continuous filament. Acetate filaments can be spun into threads and yarns of different thicknesses and textures.
Acetate’s naturally shiny finish can be dulled by adding titanium dioxide to the solution before forcing it through the spinneret. Acetate melts when exposed to temperatures of 350 °F (177 °C) or higher, so acetate fabrics must be ironed at low settings.
