Triacetate

A manufactured fibre produced from cellulose triacetate. Cellulose triacetate was first developed by Schutzenberger in 1865. However, this early acetate was a tough hard plastic that contained high amounts of acids and was only soluble in expensive chlorinated solvents. Thus, cellulose triacetate was not commercially viable until the mid-1950s when economical solvents became available. Triacetate is a durable fibre that is resistant to wrinkles, stains, chemicals, sunlight, insects, and moisture. It should not be dry-cleaned but is not degraded by normal laundering. It dries quickly in the air or cool driers and maintains its shape without ironing. Triacetate is a crisp, firm fabric that is often used in taffetas and suitings. It is used in drip-dry clothing, tablecloths, skirts, and slacks. It is often used in wool blends to increase washability and crease retention. A surface saponification finishing process, called S-Finishing, is often applied to triacetate fabrics to minimize static.