Materials: Celanese

Celanse, also known as cellulose acetate or acetate rayon fiber (1924) is one of the earliest synthetic fibers and is based on cotton or tree pulp cellulose ("biopolymers"). These "cellulosic fibers" have passed their peak as cheap petro-based fibers (nylon and polyester) and have displaced regenerated pulp fibers.

It was invented by two Swiss brothers, Doctors Camille and Henri Dreyfus, who originally began chemical research in a shed behind their father's house in Basel, Switzerland. In 1905, Camille and Henri developed a commercial process to manufacture cellulose acetate. The Dreyfus brothers initially focused on cellulose acetate film, which was then widely used in celluloid plastics and motion picture film. By 1913, Camille and Henri's studies and experiments had produced excellent laboratory samples of continuous filament acetate yarn. In 1924, the first commercial acetate filament was spun in the United States and trademarked as Celanese.
Acetate fiber characteristics

* cellulosic and thermoplastic
* selective absorption and removal of low levels of certain organic chemicals
* easily bonded with plasticizers, heat, and pressure
* acetate is soluble in many common solvents (especially acetone and other organic solvents) and can be modified to be soluble in alternative solvents, including water
* hydrophilic: acetate wets easily, with good liquid transport and excellent absorption; in textile applications, it provides comfort and absorbency, but also loses strength when wet
* acetate fibers are hypoallergenic
* high surface area
* made from a renewable resource: reforested trees.
* can be composted or incinerated
* can be dyed, however special dyes and pigments are required since acetate does not accept dyes ordinarily used for cotton and rayon (this also allows cross-dyeing)
* resistant to mold and mildew
* easily weakened by strong alkaline solutions and strong oxidizing agents.
* can usually be wet cleaned or dry cleaned and generally does not shrink

 

In 1918, the American Cellulose & Chemical Manufacturing Company is founded in New York by Camille Dreyfus.

A Celanese Plant was located at Amcelle, between Cumberland and Cresaptown, Maryland. The plant was served by the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) rail line, and was a major consumer of coal. It received bulk shipments of industrial chemicals and raw cotton fiber, and shipped out its fabric products in quantity. The B&O also provided passenger service to the plant, for Celanese workers. The plant had its own extensive networks of rail lines on the property. It became a major employer in Allegany County, and most families in the area have one or more relatives that worked for the plant at its peak.

The American Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Co. Ltd plant was set up during World War I to produce cheaper fabric for airplane manufacturing. The plant location was chosen inland to protect against Zeppelin attacks. It was also sighted in proximity to a ready source of water at the Potomac River, and easy access to coal supplies and railroad lines. After a series of delays, actual production began in 1924 with a series of commercial fabrics and yarns intended as alternatives to silk. The plant was closed in the 1960's, and was torn down to provide a space for a new Federal Prison.

In 1927, the American Cellulose & Chemical Manufacturing Company changes its name to "Celanese Corporation of America."

 

Materials

Below are references to many of the materials used to make rugs and carpets.