What Is Acetate?
Acetate is a man-made fiber made from cellulose acetate.
It has a long history, first produced in the United Kingdom after World War I, and then in Japan in the 1950s.
Although there is not much acetate produced in Japan today, it is used in large quantities for clothing in the United States.
Cellulose acetate is chemically synthesized from high-purity wood pulp material and used as fiber.
It is called “semi-synthetic fiber” because the fiber is synthesized from plant fiber (cellulose) of natural pulpwood.
Uses of Acetates
Acetates are used as a fiber product in a variety of situations.
With a unique texture and luster, acetates are used for clothing fabrics, accessories, neckties, curtains, fabric linings, umbrellas, shirts, and more.
They are also used for business wear such as formal wear, casual wear such as sweaters, as well as raincoats and interior fashion goods.
Recently, acetates have also been used to make blouses for women due to their unique luster, taking advantage of the luster of acetate fabrics.
Characteristics of Acetates
Acetates are characterized by their silky luster.
They also have a fluffy texture and feel of woolen fabrics.
The advantages are its high heat retention properties, moderate elasticity, and moisture absorbency.
The tactile quality is that it has a pleasant sensation on the skin. In addition, the fabric is lightweight, making it comfortable to wear.
The elasticity of the fabric prevents wrinkling and is often used for skirts and suits.
Conversely, the fabric softens when heated with an iron, etc., and maintains its shape when cooled, so it is used to make the folded pleats of skirts.
The disadvantage is that the fabric itself is sensitive to friction and heat, so care must be taken when ironing to avoid heat deformation.
In addition, colored fabrics must be handled with care because of the risk of discoloration of dyed fabrics due to automobile exhaust and exhaust gas from oil stoves.
In addition, be sure to avoid contact with light-removing liquids and thinners, which can dissolve acetate fibers.