Acetate Rayon

Introduction
• First prepared in 1865 by heating cotton with
acetic anhydride with 130-140 degree centigrade.
• In 1894, Cross and Bevan developed a more
practical approach, in which acetylation was
carried at atmospheric pressure using Sulphuric
acid Zinc Chloride as catalyst.
• Can be produced as primary acetate(Cellulose
triacetate) or
• Secondary acetate or Acetate Rayon.
 Primary Acetate
• Completely acetylated cellulose in which all
three hydroxyl groups of glucose unit in cellulose
molecules are acetyleted.
• It was obtained as tough solid.
• It is soluble in toxic and expensive solvents like
Chloroform.
 Secondary Acetate
• Discovered in 1906 That triacetate could be
partially hydrolyzed of i.e. by removing some of
acetate group of triacetate and recovering into
hydroxyl group.
• This new material was formed by complete
acetylation and subsequent partial hydrolysis
and is called secondary acetate.
• It is soluble in relatively cheap and non-toxic
solvents like acetone.
 Acetate Rayon
Trade Name Manufacturer

Acele Du pont, USA

Acete Bayor, Germany

Albuna Snia Viscose, Itely

Arnel Celanase Crop, USA

Atlon Toho Rayon Co., Japan

 Introduction
• Acetate Rayon is modified regenerated cellulose
fiber.
• Cotton linters or wood pulp sheets are used for
manufacturing “Acetate Yarn”
• Cellulose acetate is manufactured by dissolving
cellulose and then regenerating into cellulose
acetate: (primary or secondary).
The two acetates are formed by following
reaction:

• The triacetate (Primary acetate) is soluble in

chloroform but insoluble in Acetone.
• The secondary Acetate (Acetate Rayon) is
soluble in “Acetone” and is obtained from
triacetate.
 Raw Materials
• Cotton linters or Wood pulp.

• Chemicals: Glacial Acetic Acid

Acetic Anhydride.

• Catalyst: Sulphuric acid or Zinc chloride.

Flow Diagram

Acetate Rayon Filament Yarn

Manufacturing of Acetate Rayon
• Takes place in four stages:

1. Acetylation process
2. Hydrolysis
3. Preparation of Dope solution
4. Spinning
• A stirrer is used to mix the ingredients
thoroughly.
• Acetylation reaction is an exothermic reaction.
• The heat liberated during acetylation is removed
by circulating cold water through jacket fitted
outside the reactor.
• The acetylation reaction is completed in 7-8 hrs
at 25-30 degree centigrade.
• Triacetate is formed at this stage.
Hydrolysis (Partial deacetylation)
• Triacetate is stored for ageing
• Acetic acid, water and sulphuric acid are added
and allowed to stand for 10-20 hrs
• During this period, partial conversion of acetate
groups to hydroxyl groups takes place
• Careful control is necessary during hydrolysis
• The mixture is then diluted with water and
stirred constantly
• The secondary acetate separates in the form of
white flakes
• The water is removed and then reaction vessel is
filled with fresh water
• The water is changed several times to obtain all
the secondary acetate formed
• The white flakes are centrifuged and excess of
water is removed
• The flakes are then dried
 Preparation of dope solution:
• Dried flakes are dissolved in a solvent
• Acetone and a viscous solution is formed this
viscous solution is known as " Dope solution“
• the dried acetate flakes are mixed with three
times their weight of acetone in the enclosed
tank provided with powerful stirrer.
 Spinning:
• A dope is fed from the feed tank
• A dope is filtered through a filter to avoid trouble
due to solid particles interfering with smooth
flow of dope through jets
• A metering pump ensures a constant flow of
dope to spinneret
• The spinneret consists of metal plate through
which number of small holes are made
• The number of holes in the jet determines the
number of filaments in the yarn
• As the dope is squeezed out of jets, it emerges in
filaments form into spinning cabinet
• The filaments travel vertically down towards a
feed roller from which it is guided on to bobbin
• A slight twist is inserted as it is taken up
• The hot air at 100-C is fed from the bottom of
cabinet
• The hot air evaporates all acetone in the dope
from the jets
• The acetone is withdrawn from the top of cabinet
and taken away to recovery plant
• The acetone air mixture is scrubbed in water
towers
• The efficient recovery of acetone and acetic acid
is essential for economic manufacture of Acetate
Rayon
Important factors in the spinning process
are:
Temperature
Moisture Content
Velocity of Air

• The filaments are collected on spinning bobbin

• Filaments are available from 45-600 denier
• Staple fibers are 3-20 denier and cut into 1.5",
2", 2.5", 3", 3.5" and 5"
 End Uses:
• Dresses and fabrics
• Curtains, Bed sheets
• Pillow covers
• Wedding Dresses