Cellulose triacetate, also known simply as
triacetate,
CTA and
TAC, is a chemical compound manufactured from
cellulose and a source of
acetate esters, typically
acetic anhydride. Triacetate is typically used for the creation of
fibres and
film base. It is similar chemically to
cellulose acetate, with the distinguishing characteristics being that in triacetate, according to the
Federal Trade Commission definition, at least "92 percent of the
hydroxyl groups are
acetylated." During the manufacture of triacetate the cellulose is completely acetylated whereas in regular cellulose acetate or
cellulose diacetate, it is only partially acetylated. Triacetate is significantly more heat resistant than cellulose acetate.