History
It is a popular choice for clothing and home decorating materials. There are different types with the best known being viscose rayon, which is made from wood chips. It was first called rayon in 1924.
French chemist, Hilaire Bernigaud, count de Chardonnet, first developed an artificial fiber in 1878 using plant cellulose. The fiber process was patented and produced in 1884.
Characteristics
Viscose rayon has a silk-like feel and is exceptionally drapeable. It is widely used in the decorative fabrics industry.
Features
Rayon dyes well, is absorbent, soft and does not melt in high temperatures. It resists moths and is not easily affected by household chemicals.
Uses
Clothing, carpets, tablecloths, draperies, upholstery, hose, bedspreads and even tires and conveyor belts are made of rayon.
Types
Other rayons, besides viscose, include cuprammonium which is made from cotton linters, and saponified cellulose acetate.
