Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Acetate and Triacetate?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Acetate and Triacetate?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Acetate and triacetate are both types of cellulose acetate fibers, but they differ in the degree of acetylation and their properties. The main difference between them is the number of cellulose hydroxyl groups that are acetylated. For acetate fibers, this number lies between 75% and 92%, while for triacetate fibers, it is more than 92%.

Here are some key differences between acetate and triacetate:

  • Degree of Acetylation: Acetate fibers have a lower degree of acetylation (75-92%), while triacetate fibers have a higher degree of acetylation (more than 92%).
  • Properties: Triacetate fibers have a higher wet strength compared to acetate fibers. Triacetate also has a higher melting point (300 degrees C) compared to acetate (250 degrees C).
  • End-Uses: Acetate fibers are generally used in linings and dresswear, while triacetate fibers are used in a wider range of applications due to their improved properties.
  • Affordability: Acetate fabric is generally more affordable than triacetate fabric, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.
  • Wrinkle-Resistance: Triacetate fabric is more wrinkle-resistant than acetate fabric, holding its shape well and resisting wrinkling.
  • Drape: Triacetate fabric is known for its luxurious drape, making it a popular choice for clothing that requires a fluid, elegant look, while acetate fabric has a moderate drape.
  • Shrink-Resistance: Both triacetate and acetate fabrics are resistant to shrinking, making them easy to care for and maintain.
  • Quick-Drying: Triacetate fabric dries quickly, making it suitable for activewear and swimwear.
On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Acetate and Triacetate?
  • Comparative Table: Acetate vs Triacetate

    • Comparative Table: Acetate vs Triacetate

    Here is a table comparing the differences between acetate and triacetate:

    Feature Acetate Triacetate
    Number of Acetate Ions Single acetate ion Combination of three acetate ions
    Degree of Acetylation 75% to 92% of cellulose hydroxyl groups are acetylated More than 92% of cellulose hydroxyl groups are acetylated
    Fiber Strength Poor Stronger than acetate, but still lower than other natural fibers
    Elasticity Lower than triacetate Higher than acetate, but still lower than other synthetic fibers
    Water Absorption Ideal Good
    Quick-Drying Qualities Yes Yes
    Shrink Resistance Does not shrink easily, providing stability for dimensions and measurements Moderately resistant to shrinkage
    Pleating Durability No information available Strong
    Temperature Range for Safe Ironing Relatively high High
    Stain Resistance Does not stain easily, and stains are easy to remove Resistant to stains
    Pilling Resistance No worries of pilling Resistant to pilling
    Price Cheaper than triacetate More expensive than acetate
    Uses Commonly used in clothing and textiles Also used in clothing and textiles, but less common than acetate

    Both acetate and triacetate are synthetic fibers made from cellulose acetate, derived from wood pulp or cotton linters. The main difference between the two is the degree of acetylation of the cellulose, with triacetate having a higher degree of acetylation. This results in triacetate having better elasticity and fiber strength compared to acetate, although it is still lower than other natural fibers.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.