ACETATE FABRIC AND VISCOSE FABRIC INFORMATION

ACETATE FABRIC AND VISCOSE
FABRIC INFORMATION
Acetate was one of the first man-made fibers,
developed by Doctors Camille and Henri Dreyfus,
two Swiss brother based in Basel, Switzerland.
Initially focusing on cellulose acetate for use in
motion picture film, the brothers developed a
workable fiber in 1913. The first commercial
acetate threads were spun in the United States in
1924 and trademarked under the name Celanese.
The material is derived from cotton or wood pulp
cellulose, and through a process of acid
treatments and hydrolysis, cellulose acetate is
achieved. The compound is then dissolved in
acetone and results in viscose resin, which is then
pushed through a spinneret and emerges as
filaments. In the final step of the process, the
acetone solvent is evaporated through dry
spinning, leaving the acetate fibers remaining.
Synthetic fabrics derived from organic material
have fallen from prominence, however, since the
more recent emergence of readily available and
less expensive petroleum-based synthetics.
Viscose and acetate fabrics are renowned for their
slick and slippery textures and luxurious shine.
Acetate for use in clothing is also known as
rayon, and has the breathability of cotton blended
with the supple feel of luxurious silk. Viscose,
when combined with a variety of other
components, is also used in medical devices as
cellulose xanthe and as the translucent wrapping
material known as cellophane.
The elegant drape of the material lends itself to
beautiful accent pieces for garments as well as
chic bedding and home décor. Acetate is often
used in bridal party attire due to its splendid
shine, while viscose jersey material is a wrinkle-
resistant form of the material commonly found in
athletic jerseys and other flowing garments. Care
for the fabric is dependant on the specific variety,
as some require dry cleaning while others are
machine washable.