What is Acetate Fabric and When Do You Need It?
When you’re examining your laundry items to separate them for the wash, you might have noticed a type of fabric called acetate. This is one of the more obscure types of material that most people are not familiar with. Although it’s been in use for a long time, it doesn’t get much press. If you’re wondering what it is and why it’s essential, you’re in the right place. Here is everything you need to know about acetate fabric and why it’s become so important in popular culture.
What is acetate fabric?
Panaprium explains that acetate is a fabric made from wood pulp. The production involves a complicated process that creates a material that is in the rayon family. The look and feel of acetate fabric are luxurious. It has a shiny appearance. Wood pulp is used to process into a material called cellulose filaments. The Cellulose filaments are combined with acetic acid to create acetate flakes. The resulting acetate fiber is spun into a fabric that is called acetate fabric.
Acetate fabric is man-made
Even though acetate has its origins in a natural and renewable resource (wood), it is still classified as a semi-synthetic textile. This is because a chemical is required during the development process. The methods for producing acetate fabric are less expensive than those necessary to create a material made of natural fibers. Acetate is categorized as a semi-synthetic polymer. The chemicals used in its creation are not environmentally friendly, which is a downside of using this fabric. The advantages of acetate build a strong case for continuing its manufacture, despite more sustainable and less environmentally impactful alternatives.
The history of acetate fabric
According to Hunker, rayon is the oldest manufactured fiber used in the United States with acetate the second. Acetate was first discovered in 1924. A French chemist developed acetate and used it as wing varnish for aircraft. It was turned into a fiber in 1923 in the United Kingdom. It was further developed into fabric in 1924 in the United States. The process came with some initial problems. The first fabric would not take the dye because of pollutants and fumes that caused discoloration and fading. A group of chemists in the textile industry figured out methods for effectively dying the fabrics. The problem of fading persists. When exposed to certain types of pollutants, it is still an issue with acetate fabric. As we can see, acetate is not a perfect fabric for everything.
Why is acetate fabric important?
Acetate fabric is a soft, shiny, and luxurious fabric that is used as a substitute for the more expensive fabric types with these characteristics. Most consumers will purchase a product that has eye appeal with an affordable price over a product that looks the same but features a higher price. The manufacturers benefit by using the lower cost acetate fabric in the construction of their goods because it enhances their overall profits. End consumers benefit from goods that are offered at far lower prices than those that are made of more high-end natural fiber materials such as silk. Acetate fabric is used in the production of a variety of different products. You will find the fabric used to make luxurious curtains and draperies, in furniture, for a host of home decor, evening attire, and other types of clothing, and as the lining for countless items.
Pros and cons of Acetate fabric
On the plus side, drapes, and curtains made of acetate fabric hang well. The fabric is resistant to drinking and it dries fast. It is resistant to mildew and moths, and it is low static. Acetate fabric is also available in a broad range of color options and sheens. The fabric has an elegant feel and appearance with its high luster, and the fabric does not pill, making it low maintenance. Manufacturers value acetate fabric because it is cheap to make and inexpensive to acquire. It allows for the production of aesthetically pleasing goods at a far lower cost than using fabrics that are made of natural fibers.
There are also disadvantages to acetate fabric. The biggest downside is that it is synthetically made of chemicals and natural materials combined. The manufacturing process for creating acetate fabric is not healthy for the earth or for the persons who come into contact with the fumes. There no doubt are at least some fume emissions released into the air that we all breathe. The fabric is not very strong and it rips easily. There is no elasticity, and if it gets too hot it melts easily. Products made with acetate fiber wrinkle more easily and are more likely to require dry cleaning versus machine washing and drying. Acetate is sensitive to certain chemicals which can cause a reaction that destroys the fabric. Some perfumes, glues, or nail polish removers can cause acetate to melt if it comes into contact with the fabric.
Final thoughts
Acetate fabric has become an important textile in the production of a wide range of goods. The low cost of producing this luxurious-looking fabric has made it a material that helps businesses to become more profitable. It also helps to keep the cost of the finished products down without sacrificing a lovely appearance. If you’re into cosplay, you will probably have encountered some acetate fabric in the bright and brilliant costumes made for the hobby. Acetate has so many different uses that it’s unlikely that manufacturers will stop using it, and the consumers who buy these lower-priced goods are not likely to boycott the products either. Like many other manmade materials, Acetate fabric has become a staple for some companies. Unless an alternative that offers the affordability of acetate is developed it will probably continue to be one of the most popular materials choices for those who make clothing, draperies, furniture, and more. These are the reasons that acetate is so important in the modern age.
