MEET RAYON
FROM:
Sources of regenerated cellulose
IS IT SUSTAINABLE?
Yes.
IS IT DURABLE?
No.
IS IT BREATHABLE?
Yes.
IS IT WARM?
No.
HISTORY:
Rayon was created for the first time in the late 19th century. Its origins can be found in efforts to develop a synthetic alternative to natural silk.
A French scientist by the name of Hilaire de Chardonnet discovered how to make regenerated cellulose fibre in the early 20th century; he called it “Chardonnet silk” or “artificial silk.” The cellulose from wood pulp was broken down in a chemical solution to make this fibre, which resembled silk.
Following Chardonnet’s discovery, was put into commercial manufacturing and immediately became a popular and cost-effective replacement for silk. Many items, such as clothes, furniture, and industrial parts, have been made with rayon fabrics.
The methods used to produce rayon have improved over time. A new method known as viscose rayon was created in the 1920s and included modifying cellulose to produce a solution that could be extruded into threads. The process improved the productivity and cost-effectiveness of rayon manufacture.
In the following decades, the fabric continued to evolve, and to improve its strength and durability, new variants like high-wet-modulus rayon and high-tenacity rayon were created. Because of its adaptability, softness, and capacity to mimic the draping and texture of natural fibres like silk, cotton, and linen, rayon is currently one of the most widely used fibres in the textile industry.
Although rayon is made from natural cellulose, it is important to remember that chemicals are used in its production, which defines rayon as a semi-synthetic fibre. The sustainability of the fabric, like that of any other textile material, is determined by the production techniques and procedures used.
PRODUCTION PROCESS:
Rayon is made of cellulose, which can be found in a variety of places, including cotton linters, bamboo pulp, and wood pulp. These sources are processed chemically or mechanically to extract the cellulose. To get rid of non-cellulosic materials, the extracted cellulose is then purified. This is accomplished using techniques like bleaching and filtering. The purified cellulose is dissolved in a chemical solvent, usually a potent alkali like sodium hydroxide.
This solution is often called “viscose.” The viscose solution is allowed to age for a specific period of time. This process improves the quality and consistency of the solution, allowing for better fiber formation. The solution is then forced through spinnerets, which are fine nozzles with tiny holes. As the viscose passes through the spinnerets, it solidifies into threads when it comes into contact with an acidic bath.
These threads can be further processed into yarns. They are thoroughly washed to remove residual chemicals. They are then dried to remove excess moisture. Depending on the desired properties of the final product, additional processes such as stretching, twisting, or heat treatment may be applied.
These processes enhance the strength, durability, and appearance of rayon fibers. The fibers or yarns are then used to create fabrics through weaving, knitting, or other production techniques. The resulting rayon fabrics can be further processed, dyed, and finished to achieve desired characteristics.
