cellulose acetate fibers are a type of synthetic fiber derived from cellulose. They are one of the earliest synthetic fibers ever developed and were once widely used in various applications. They are made by treating cellulose with acetic acid and acetic anhydride to create cellulose acetate, which is then dissolved in a solvent and spun into fibers through a dry spinning process.

Cellulose acetate is a commercially important thermoplastic, formed from acetylation of cellulose (natural polymer). This reaction converts all primary and secondary hydroxyl groups within the cellulose chain into cellulose triacetate, a fully esterified intermediate, which can be isolated or further processed.

Cellulose nitrate, also known as nitrocellulose, flash paper, guncotton, or celluloid, is a chemical product derived from the natural polymer cellulose. It is a white, odorless, and tasteless substance. Its characteristics are dependent on the degree of substitution.