Triacetate (CT/CTA)
Also known as: Cellulose triacetate, Arnel, Tricel
Highly acetylated cellulose fibre with high iron and wash stability — legendary tracksuit fabric of the 1980s.
Description
Triacetate (CT or CTA) is a cellulose fibre in which at least 92 % of hydroxyl groups have been acetylated with acetic acid — much more than in standard acetate (DS ≈ 2.4). First produced commercially by Celanese Corporation in the USA in 1954. Unlike diacetate, triacetate is dry-spun from methylene chloride/methanol.
Triacetate is low-shrink, dimensionally stable and can be ironed up to 200 °C. In the 1970s/80s it dominated classic pleated skirts and Tricel tracksuits (often blended with polyester). Today it is mainly used as LCD polariser film (Fuji/Eastman) and in reverse-osmosis membranes; in apparel it survives in high-quality dresses with permanent pleats.
- Cellulose triacetate, DS ≥ 2.76
- Ironable up to 200 °C
- Dimensionally stable, holds pleats
- Dresses, LCD films, RO membranes
Despite better thermal stability, triacetate — like acetate — is sensitive to strong acids and bases.
Properties
| Fibre type | Cellulose ester (triacetate) |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | DS ≥ 2.76 (≥ 92 % OH acetylated) |
| Iron | up to 200 °C |
| Use | Pleated dresses, LCD films |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: Cellulose triacetate Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellulose_triacetate
