Cellulose acetate, also known as cellulose acetate ester, is a chemical derivative obtained by acetylating natural cellulose, typically derived from wood pulp or cotton linters.

The core production process is as follows:

Activation and acetylation: The purified cellulose is treated with acetic acid and then reacted with acetic anhydride in the presence of a catalyst (usually sulfuric acid).

Hydrolysis (Maturation): The fully acetylated cellulose triacetate is partially hydrolyzed under controlled conditions to reduce the degree of esterification, resulting in a product with the desired degree of substitution.

Precipitation and washing: The hydrolyzed product is precipitated in water, then washed and dried to obtain white flaky or powdered cellulose acetate.

Essence: It is a product formed by the substitution of varying numbers of hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the glucose-based rings of cellulose molecules with acetyl groups (-COCH₃). The degree of substitution directly determines its properties and classification of uses.