Cellulose acetate is a versatile material with a wide range of applications. In the tobacco industry, cellulose acetate tow is the primary raw material for cigarette filters due to its excellent filtration performance. It is also used in the film and plastics industry for manufacturing photographic films, spectacle frames, and tool handles. In addition, cellulose acetate serves as a key material for membranes, including filtration membranes and reverse osmosis elements, thanks to its good permeability and selectivity. With its biodegradability and adaptability, cellulose acetate continues to play an important role in both traditional manufacturing and modern environmental applications.
Cellulose Acetate Filtration Process
1. Raw Material Preparation & Acetylation
The process begins with wood pulp cellulose, which is purified to remove lignin, hemicellulose, and other impurities. The purified cellulose is then reacted with acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and a catalyst to produce cellulose acetate esters. By controlling the degree of substitution, different grades such as diacetate or triacetate can be obtained.
2. Purification & Spinning Solution Preparation
After acetylation, the reaction mixture is neutralized, and byproducts are removed. The cellulose acetate is washed, dried, and dissolved in acetone or acetone–water mixtures to form a homogeneous spinning solution. At this stage, the solution undergoes filtration to eliminate undissolved particles and gels, ensuring consistency and stability.
3. Fiber Formation & Finishing
The spinning solution is processed using the dry spinning method, where it is extruded through spinnerets and solidified into filaments as the solvent evaporates. The filaments are collected, stretched, and formed into continuous tow or yarn. Post-treatments such as stretching, crimping, or finishing are applied to enhance fiber properties, making them suitable for applications in cigarette filters, textiles, and specialty fibers.
Great Wall Filtration Filter Paper
SCY Series filter paper
This filter paper, with its cellulose and cationic resin composition, is particularly effective for filtering cellulose acetate solutions. It provides high mechanical strength, stable porosity, and reliable contaminant removal. The low polyamide epoxy resin content (<1.5%) ensures compatibility and safety in cellulose acetate processing, helping to remove fine particles, gels, and insoluble impurities while maintaining chemical stability and compliance with food and pharmaceutical safety standards.
Advantages
High Filtration Efficiency – Effectively removes fine particles, gels, and insoluble impurities from cellulose acetate solutions.
Strong Mechanical Strength – Burst strength ≥200 kPa ensures durability and stable performance under pressure.
Consistent Porosity – Controlled air permeability (25–35 L/㎡·s) provides reliable flow rates and uniform filtration results.
Conclusion
Cellulose acetate is a key material used in filters, films, plastics, and membranes, valued for its performance and biodegradability. During production, effective filtration is essential to ensure purity and consistency.
Great Wall’s SCY Series filter paper delivers outstanding results with high filtration efficiency, strong durability, and stable porosity. With low resin content for excellent compatibility, it is the reliable choice for cellulose acetate processing in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
