Cellulose acetate is primarily classified based on its degree of esterification or acetyl content, which determines its solubility, film-forming ability, spinnability, and ultimate application.

The most common classifications are as follows:

1. Cellulose triacetate

It is also known as primary cellulose acetate or fully acetylated cellulose.

Degree of esterification: High, with an average of 2.8~3.0 hydroxyl groups acetylated on each glucose unit.

Acetyl content: High, typically exceeding 60% (around 61.5%).

Solubility: Insoluble in acetone, requires chlorinated solvents such as dichloromethane and chloroform for dissolution.

Features and Uses:

Excellent optical properties: high transparency and low birefringence, making it a core raw material for manufacturing polarizers and protective films for liquid crystal displays.

High melting point and good thermal stability.

It has good weather resistance and dimensional stability.

Textile field: It can be spun into triacetate fiber for use in clothing and other applications.

2. Cellulose diacetate

This is the type with the highest production volume and the most extensive application, also known as secondary cellulose acetate.

Degree of esterification: Moderate, with an average of 2.2 to 2.7 hydroxyl groups acetylated on each glucose unit.

Acetyl content: Medium, typically ranging from 52% to 56%.

Solubility: Soluble in acetone, which is a key characteristic that makes it very convenient for processing.

Features and Uses:

Textile field: It is the main raw material for manufacturing diacetate fiber, which is used in high-end clothing lining, satin, women's fashion, etc.

Plastics field: After adding plasticizers, products such as eyeglass frames, tool handles, toys, and combs can be manufactured through injection molding, extrusion, and other methods. The products exhibit good gloss and provide a comfortable hand feel.

Thin film field: used for manufacturing packaging films, dialysis membranes, etc.

Filter material field: It is the core raw material for manufacturing cigarette filter tow.

3. Cellulose Monoacetate

The one with the lowest degree of esterification is rarely seen in practical bulk industrial applications, and is usually used as an intermediate or in special fields.