Celanese begins by purchasing high-purity, dissolving-grade cellulose wood pulp derived from re-forested trees. The high "alpha-cellulose content" wood pulp is reacted with acetic anhydride. The resulting product is cellulose acetate flake. After washing and drying the flake, it's then dissolved in acetone to form a cellulose acetate solution referred to as "dope." The solution is extruded through precise microscopic holes in metal spinnerets. Next, the solution is drawn into long, thin fibers. These acetate fibers move through heated cabinets to dry. A tow band is formed by combining the output of a large number of spinnerettes and then crimping this collection of filaments to create an integrated band of continuous fibers. The tow is then dried and baled. The end product possesses the conveniences of its man-made form while retaining many properties of its "natural" base material.

Click on a link below to view a process diagram:

» Cellulose Acetate Flake Process Diagram

» Acetate Tow Process Diagram