Viscose Acetate

[Steve Ashton]

OK, Here are some facts about the three most common synthetic fabrics we see as listed in kilts.

The term "Viscose" as we use it in reference to kilts is what in the US is called 'Rayon". It is a cellulose plant fiber spun into yarn.

The chemical formula for Viscose is (C6H10O5)n.
Flash point is 750-880°F or 260-300°C

From Barnhardt Cotton -

There is some confusion between the two terms Viscose and Rayon. Viscose is actually a type of rayon, even though “viscose,””viscose rayon,” and “rayon” are often used interchangeably. What started as “artificial silk” in the late 19th century became known as rayon in 1924, with the name “viscose” coming from “a viscous organic liquid used to make both rayon and cellophane.” Per Swicofil.com, rayon is “the generic term for fiber (and the resulting yarn and fabric) manufactured from regenerated cellulose by any one of six processes.” Keep in mind that modal and lyocell, along with viscose, are also considered types of rayon.



Acetate

Chemical formula = CH3COO(-) or C2H3O2(-) or C2H3O2
Flash point is variable depending on the type. Usually about 450-575°F or 230-300°C

An Acetate is a salt formed by the combination of acetic acid with an alkaline, earthy, or metallic base. So it is not a single compound. You can have an Aluminum Acetate or Ammonium Acetate and Potassium Acetate.
Acetate fibers are another form of Cellulose It was first prepared in 1865. It has been used as a film base and as a frame material for eyeglasses. It is also used in the manufacture of cigarette filters and and even playing cards. Cellulose acetate is what replaced nitrate movie film in the 1950s as less flammable and cheaper.



Acrylic

Chemical formula CH2=CHCOOH. It is the simplest unsaturated carboxylic acid.
Flash point is 154°F or 68°C

From Dupont Corp. -

Dupont created the first acrylic fibers in 1941 and trademarked them under the name Orlon. It was first developed in the mid-1940s but was not produced in large quantities until the 1950s. Strong and warm, acrylic fiber is often used for sweaters and tracksuits and as linings for boots and gloves, as well as in furnishing fabrics and carpets. It is manufactured as a filament, then cut into short staple lengths similar to wool hairs, and spun into yarn.
You can have an Acrylic Acetate.

Strangely Acrylic fibers have the potential to be the closest to wool of all other synthetics. But the fibers must be 'worsted' in the same way wool is and unfortunatly most of the Acrylic fibers used in the middle east are not treated this way.