Cellulose Fibers

The three types of manmade cellulose fibers – rayon, acetate, and triacetate – are derived either from the cellulose of the Cell walls of short cotton fibers (called linters) or, more frequently, from pine wood. Pure cellulose appears as a formless white substance that is converted by chemical treatment and produced into fiber form. Paper, for instance, is almost pure cellulose.

Rayon

There are two principal varieties of rayon now commercially produced: viscose and high wet-modulus. These, in turn, are produced in a number of types to provide certain specific properties. Thus, these rayon’s have been made to stimulate natural fibers as well as to provide characteristics of their own. Accordingly, rayon is used for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. Rayon produces sell their fibers under their various trademarks. There are a large number of viscose rayon trademarks (see Table 18-1) and two high wet-modulus rayon trademarks: Avril, of which there are three types, and Zantrel.

Acetate

This fiber consists of a cellulose compound identified as an acetylated cellulose- a cellulose salt. As a result, acetate possesses different qualities from the rayon’s. A variety of types are produced under different trademarks according to the objectives of the manufacturers. Acetate fiber is thermoplastic; that is, it can be formed into a desired shape by the application of pressure with heat. Fabrics made of acetate yarn are rather shape-retentive. They are used primarily for apparel.
        

Triacetate

This fiber consists of acetylated cellulose that retains acetic groupings when it is being produced as triacetate cellulose. Sold under manufacturer’s trademark of Arnel. Triacetate has certain properties that are different from acetate fiber. It is a thermoplastic fiber that is more resilient than other cellulose fibers. Fabrics made of triacetate yarn have good shape-retentive properties. They are used primarily for apparel.