A tough, flammable, easily fabricated thermoplastic polymer composed of acetic acid ester of cellulose. Forms include white flakes or powder; it is used in a variety of products such as acetate fiber, lacquers, photographic film, magnetic tapes, lacquers, and transparent sheeting. The substance was first developed in 1865; in 1908 it was introduced as safety film by Eastman Kodak, replacing flammable cellulose nitrate film. As the cellulose acetate ages, the added plasticizers can migrate to the surface producing an oily film.
