Rayon Silk Properties and Uses

In Class 7th, we studied that silk is a natural fibre oblained from silkworms. The fabric (or cloth) made from natural silk fibres is very costly. But the beautiful texture (feel, appearance, shine) of natural silk fabrics fascinated everyone. So, attempts were made to make silk artificially which would be cheaper than natural silk.

Towards the end of 19th century, scientists were successful in obtaining fibres having properties similar to that of silk. This fibre was called rayon. Rayon is often regarded as artificial silk. Rayon is a man-made fibre prepared from, a natural raw material (called cellulose) by chemical treatment. The cellulose required for making rayon is obtained from 'wood pulp'. So, we can also say that rayon is obtained by the chemical treatment of wood pulp (which contains cellulose).

Rayon is produced as follows :

(i) Wood pulp is dissolved in an alkaline solution (sodium hydroxide solution) to form a sticky liquid called 'viscose'.

(ii) Viscose is forced to pass through the tiny holes of a metal cylinder (called spinneret) into a solution of sulphuric acid when a silk like thread of rayon is formed.

Rayon is different from truly synthetic fibres because it is obtained from a natural material (wood pulp). Although rayon is obtained from a natural resource called wood pulp, yet it is said to be a man-made fibre. This is because it is obtained by the chemical treatment of wood pulp in factories. Rayon fibre is chemically identical to cotton but it has shine like silk Since rayon resembles silk in appearance, therefore, rayon is also called artificial silk.

NOTE : Rayon is also called artificial silk, has a silky texture and is prepared from cellulose. The original raw material cellulose is broken down and then reformed in the lustrous fibre called 'rayon'. Rayon was the first synthetic fibre formed from natural raw material. As it is prepared from cellulose so it is not a true synthetic fibre. It is known as semi - synthetic fibre.

Properties :-

It is first synthetic fibre.

It absorbs sweat because blended with cotton. Rayon clothes are therefore preferred over other synthetic fibres in summer.

It is shiny and lustrous and resembles silk in appearance.

Uses :-

It is used in the textile industry making fabrics, which are mixed with cotton or silk to make smooth and silky clothes.

It is blended with wool to for making carpets.

Used to making reinforced tyre.

Rayon is used for making shirts, ties, home furnishings and bandages.

Sample Questions

(More Questions for each concept available in Login)

Question : 1

Which of the following are correct ? (a) Towards the end of 19th century, scientists were successful in obtaining fibres having properties similar to that of silk. (b) Rayon is a man-made fibre prepared from, a natural raw material (called cellulose) by chemical treatment. (c) Wood pulp is dissolved in an alkaline solution (sodium hydroxide solution)to form a sticky liquid called 'viscose'.
A. Only (a) and (b) is correct .	B. Only (b) and (c) is correct .	C. Only (a) and (c) is correct .	D. All of these .
Right Option : D
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Question : 2

Which of the following are correct ? (a) Silk is a natural fibre obtained from silkworms. The fabric (or cloth) made from natural silk fibres is very costly. (b) Rayon is also called artificial silk, has a silky texture and is prepared from cellulose.
A. Only (a) is correct .	B. Only (b) is correct .	C. Both (a) and (b) is correct .	D. All of these .
Right Option : C
View Explanation