One of the fabrics that combines the positive qualities of synthetics and natural ones is acetate. Its name will mean nothing to many, although it is quite common. So what kind of material is this with such a strange name, let’s figure it out.
Acetate was invented in England at the beginning of the last century; it is a fiber produced from cellulose using a special technology using chemical reagents - cellulose acetate. To obtain it, a dry method is used, and acetone is used as an organic solvent.
Acetate fabric – what is it, description
Unlike synthetics obtained from chemical compounds, acetate is a successful symbiosis of natural raw materials and reagents. To prevent the fabric from becoming electrified, the resulting thread is specially treated before weaving. Acetate lends itself well to coloring, which allows you to obtain a large number of bright shades.
In terms of its properties, acetate fiber is superior to ordinary viscose; it is more elastic, stronger, softer to the touch and less wrinkled, with a characteristic silky sheen. Acetate fabrics resemble natural silk in appearance and tactility, and the cost of production is much lower, as is the selling price.
Properties and characteristics
The properties of the British invention explain its popularity.
- Decorative - duplicating silk, allows you to sew beautiful things.
- Elastic - holds its shape well, which simplifies care and allows things to always look good.
- Pleasant – it does not create discomfort on the body; on the contrary, it is very pleasant to wear.
- Hypoallergenic - the viscose base is neutral, even allergy sufferers with sensitive skin can easily come into contact with acetate.
- Unpretentious - easy to wash, does not require special care, but you should handle it carefully, it is weak to tear when wet.
- Breathable - allows air to pass through well, but practically does not absorb moisture.
- Affordable - looks like silk, feels like silk, and costs significantly less.
Application
The characteristics of the fabric predetermined the scope of its application: consumer goods. All kinds of clothing and household items are sewn from it.
- Underwear, including everyone's favorite skimpy nightwear, negligees and dressing gowns.
- Outerwear.
- Bed sheets.
- Furniture covers.
- Curtains.
Types and types of fabric glue
The purpose, strength, and other characteristics of textile glue depend on the composition. Typically, adhesives are made based on the following components:
- Polyurethane. It is distinguished by its ability to glue any type of fabric together.
- Polyvinyl chloride. Suitable for gluing fabric with other types of textiles, wood, metal, glass, ceramics, leather.
- Rubber. Such compositions are usually applied to the seam area, since they are highly elastic and do not crack when constantly bent.
- Nitrocellulose. Used to bond leather to fabric.
- Butadiene styrene. A substance with high strength, used in factory conditions.
Not every composition is suitable for sizing fabric. The product must not be afraid of washing chemicals, be resistant to physical impact (bending, friction, stretching), be waterproof, not leave noticeable marks on the fabric, and not delaminate when exposed to sweat or elevated temperatures.
50 ml of textile glue can be bought for 50–100 rubles. The price of more expensive formulations can reach 300 rubles. The cheapest variety is considered to be glue for decoration and decoupage.
You can buy textile glue in specialized stores. A large selection is presented on the Leonardo website.
There are different types of glue on the market that are suitable for textiles.
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Rubber compounds
Rubber is a natural resin from the plant of the same name. The product is characterized by high elasticity, stretchability, and adhesive strength.
When heated, rubber compounds liquefy and become sticky. The main advantage of this glue is that it hardens when cooled not immediately, but over several hours. This allows you to slowly choose the best position for the elements to be glued.
The rubber option is suitable for thick textiles: jeans, jacquard, gabardine, etc.
Perchlorovinyl glue
Perchlorovinyl mixture has high adhesion to textiles, leather, suede, leatherette, and some other materials. It is used for repairing car interiors, shoes, and gluing fabric with synthetic materials.
The disadvantage of this glue is its low elasticity. When the material is bent, mechanically impacted, or stretched, the perchlorovinyl film cracks.
Liquid thread
Liquid thread is a textile adhesive designed for gluing textiles to other materials. It is used for gluing rhinestones and other decors to fabric, and gluing various products with textiles.
The composition is easily and evenly applied to the canvas, holding the elements together even without a press. Suitable for working with felt, coconut fiber, and other complex types of textiles. When interacting with fabric, it does not cause deformation.
Adhesive tape
Adhesive tape is one of the most common types of adhesives. In its usual form, it looks like a thin, translucent canvas. When heated, the material turns into liquid glue, which quickly hardens, leaving no traces.
This option is often used at home for gluing pieces of fabric, giving strength and shape stability to the seams. If you use such a tape as a lining, it will compact and make the textile heavier, so it is often placed under collars, cuffs, and seams.
The tape is easy to use. It is placed between layers of fabric and ironed through gauze. Under the influence of high temperatures, the tape dissolves and turns into a liquid transparent adhesive substance. After cooling, the composition hardens, securely fastening the canvases together.
Nitrocellulose composition
Nitrocellulose glue is highly elastic and moisture resistant. It easily takes the shape of the product and does not crack when bent or stretched. Tightly holds the elements together.
Capable of gluing different types of artificial, natural textiles and leather. It is used for gluing the seams of soft toys and shoes. Sold in liquid form and in the form of plates.
Hot melt adhesive
This is a non-toxic, easy to use, safe composition. There are colored and colorless options. Provides reliable adhesion of elements without visible marks (with the correct choice of glue shade). It has sufficient elasticity so as not to crack when bending or other mechanical stress.
It is presented on store shelves in powder and solid form. In the first case, it is a loose mass that needs to be diluted with hot water.
The second option is presented in the form of solid rods that are inserted into a glue gun. When connected to the mains, the device heats up and the glue stick melts. The output is a liquid but viscous hot composition.
Hot-melt adhesive is suitable for gluing textiles, attaching rhinestones, beads, and other decor to fabric, and gluing textiles to other materials. The hot composition can melt synthetic fabrics that are afraid of high temperatures.
Polyvinyl acetate glue
For textiles, class B polyvinyl acetate glue is used. The synthetic composition firmly and reliably glues different types of textiles and is not afraid of stretching and bending.
The disadvantage of glue is that after drying it acquires a yellowish tint. The product also has low water resistance.
Adhesive aerosol
Spray adhesive is a convenient form of adhesive. The product is sprayed evenly in a thin layer over the fabric and is used sparingly. It does not spread over the material, does not stain hands or other objects. Can be stored in a container for a long time.
This is a temporary adhesive. It is used to glue patterns, zippers, and decorative elements before stitching. This allows the elements not to move during operation.
Using the adhesive variety is simple. Shake the can, then spray the aerosol over the desired areas. An element is applied to the sticky area and pressed for a few seconds.
PVA
PVA is a universal option that is often used for decoupage. Sold in liquid, powder and also in pencil form. It is odorless and does not emit toxic substances.
PVA is no different in water resistance and elasticity. Therefore, it is not used for repairing or decorating clothes. The product is suitable for making various crafts with textiles.
Glue "Moment"
In stores you can find “Moment” glue for fabric. Such compositions glue textiles together in a few seconds, and after this it is almost impossible to peel the layers of material from each other.
“Moment” can dissolve synthetics. Therefore, it is used only for natural fabrics. The adhesive is suitable for joining textiles with other materials.
Types: triacetate, silk acetate
Acetate fabric is divided into acetate and triacetate, they differ in the production method and the solvents used, but the resulting material is almost identical. With similar, positive characteristics mentioned above, it also has the same disadvantages.
- Wears out quickly.
- Electrifies despite treatment.
- It loses its appearance as it is washed.
- Weak to tear.
To improve the properties, manufacturers introduce artificial or natural fibers into the acetate composition. This increases the strength of the fabric, extends its service life and prevents damage during washing. Acetate is usually combined with polyester, although a combination with cotton or wool is also found.
Both acetate and triacetate are also called artificial or acetate silk, due to their external similarity and some common properties. To obtain the fabric, acetate fiber is woven in a special way so that the surface acquires a characteristic shine and silkiness.
Video: types of acetate material
On video - a film about acetate fiber:
Instructions on how to make fabric glue with your own hands
Fabric glue is easy to make with your own hands. For this:
- A liter of water is mixed with 1 tsp. gelatin in one container. The mixture is placed in a water bath until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- After the gelatin is dissolved, without removing the container from the water bath, 100 g of flour is gradually introduced into the composition. It is important to constantly stir the ingredients to prevent lumps from forming.
- When the composition thickens, remove it from the heat and mix with 1 tsp. glycerin and 2 dessert spoons of alcohol.
There are many adhesives suitable for working with textiles. Some of them have increased strength, some are moisture resistant, there are options that are not afraid of high temperatures and do not leave marks. You need to choose the type of product, taking into account the type of fabric and how the finished product will be used.
What fabric glue do you prefer to use? Share your recommendations in the comments. Tell your friends about the article on social networks.
Fiber production, formula
To produce silk acetate, raw materials (cellulose acetate or cellulose acetate ester) are dissolved in acetone. Afterwards, the mass is heated, the acetone evaporates, and the base is passed through a very thin filter, solidifying into threads. They are further processed, twisted and then woven into fabric.
Even a schoolchild with a little knowledge of chemistry can easily read the formula for acetate silk; it looks like this: [C6H7O2(OH)3-x(OCOCH3)x]n .
If you try, you can actually get acetate silk even in laboratory conditions in a lesson, so it is not difficult on a production scale. The formula may be slightly modified, depending on the modifiers used in production, designed to improve the quality of the thread and the performance of the finished fabric.
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How to distinguish from nylon and natural silk
How to distinguish acetate and natural silk? Although artificial silk resembles natural silk, it can be distinguished by knowing some subtleties.
- If you separate several threads and set them on fire, the natural ones will smell like burnt hair and will burn into ash, which can be easily rubbed between your fingers.
- Silk made from acetate, although not much, wrinkles if you squeeze the fabric in your fist and then straighten it, traces of folds will be visible on acetate, but on natural they will almost even out.
- Natural silk applied to the body will almost instantly equalize the temperature, acetate silk will remain cool longer, and, whatever one may say, the silkworm derivative is more pleasant to the touch.
- Nylon can be distinguished from acetate by touch; it is rougher, not as elastic and soft. After drying, nylon does not require ironing, but silk will have to be ironed at least slightly.
- Nylon has a coarser weave of threads; they do not fit so tightly to each other, so the surface is slightly rough, while silk is perfectly smooth and soft.
- When compressed, nylon produces a characteristic crunch, but acetate does not.
- Artificial silk is dissolved with acetone, and nylon with acid.
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What to do if the glue left a mark
If a noticeable mark remains when joining materials, then folk recipes will help correct the situation. It's important to act quickly.
Ways to remove traces of glue:
- Solvent (kerosene, gasoline, acetone). Soak a cotton swab with the solvent and apply it to the stain for a few seconds. Then the soaked composition is wiped off with a dry, rough cloth. The method is suitable for old marks.
- Soda or talcum powder. The uncured mark is covered with the product, after which the marks are erased.
- Vinegar. Moisten a piece of gauze with acetic acid and apply it to the adhesive mark. The contamination is rubbed until it disappears completely.
See how to remove glue from clothes:
Product care
Whether clothing or household items made of acetate fiber, it is necessary to take care of them taking into account their characteristics.
- Wash by hand or on delicate cycle, but hands are better.
- Use only neutral detergents; when rinsing, it is better to use softening additives.
- Dry without using heating devices, in the air, carefully hanging and smoothing with your hands.
- If necessary, ironing is done from the wrong side and preferably through a damp natural fabric.
The disadvantages of a rather finicky material are corrected by its ability to repel dust and dirt. Although linens and clothes will need to be washed frequently, furniture covers and curtains will hang for months without the need for cleaning.
Acetate is not the easiest fabric to use, but the difficulties with its use and short eyelids are more than compensated by its stunning appearance. And it’s a pleasure to wear on your body, and sleeping on silk sheets, even if artificial, will be serene on a summer night. It is enough to follow the care recommendations to ensure that your items last and remain beautiful for as long as possible.
Reviews of artificial silk bedding can be found here.
When to use glue for gluing material
Textile glue is an alternative to thread and needle, which is used for repairs, making clothes, and decorating fabrics. Such compositions allow you to avoid the appearance of punctures and puffs on the fabric. They can be used to attach items without sewing holes.
In what cases is it appropriate to use glue:
- For clothing repair. Glue is actively used when masking holes, stains and other defects with decor. We sell stripes that are factory-coated on the reverse side with an adhesive composition.
- Decoupage. This technique works not only with napkins, but also with pieces of textiles that are not sewn, but glued, often onto a solid base.
- Manufacturing of jewelry and hair accessories. Elastic bands, headbands, textile earrings and necklaces cannot be made without glue.
- Decoration of clothing with non-fabric elements. These include rhinestones, beads, beads, artificial flowers, stones, brooches, etc. Some of them have holes for sewing, but often there are elements without such holes.
- Finishing the edges of clothes. The adhesive layer gives strength and the ability to keep the shape of the lower part of skirts, trousers, and sundresses.
- Seam processing. Thermal clothing and diving suits are often not sewn, but glued. Sometimes both techniques are combined.
- Application.
- Attaching lace, fringe and other decorative elements. They are often glued and sewn for greater strength.
