Rayon

<p>Rayon, also called viscose and commercialised in some countries as sabra silk or cactus silk, is a <a href="/facts/Semi-synthetic_fiber/ttkxAFBu">semi-synthetic fiber</a> made from natural sources of regenerated <a href="/facts/Cellulose_fiber/w4mrA1ra">cellulose</a>, such as wood and related agricultural products. It has the same molecular structure as cellulose. Many types and grades of viscose fibers and films exist. Some imitate the feel and texture of <a href="/facts/Natural_fiber/E4eyPJ4d">natural fibers</a> such as <a href="/facts/Silk/3SKPK0JE">silk</a>, <a href="/facts/Wool/AENKRTYl">wool</a>, <a href="/facts/Cotton/efXRcjbn">cotton</a>, and <a href="/facts/Linen/MHrhhjyW">linen</a>. The types that resemble silk are often called <a href="/facts/Artificial_silk/g8F28skG">artificial silk</a>. It can be woven or knit to make textiles for clothing and other purposes.
</p><p>Rayon production involves <a href="/facts/Solubilizing/ETK53zmE">solubilizing</a> cellulose to allow turning the fibers into required form. Three common solubilization methods are:
</p>
<ul><li>The <a href="/facts/Cuprammonium_rayon/nWeMKJs6">cuprammonium</a> process (not in use today), using <a href="/facts/Ammonia/MtLtJFtz">ammoniacal</a> solutions of copper salts</li>
<li>The viscose process, the most common today, using <a href="/facts/Alkali/s6NqPGSP">alkali</a> and <a href="/facts/Carbon_disulfide/b04Tadmy">carbon disulfide</a></li>
<li>The <a href="/facts/Lyocell/JayPeRP0">Lyocell</a> process, using <a href="/facts/Amine_oxide/TDBH2qVF">amine oxide</a>, avoids producing neurotoxic carbon disulfide but is more expensive</li></ul>

Rayon open-in-new

Rayon