Page 41 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

(Above) These shiny threads are 100% viscose.
(Below) This piece of lace is 75% nylon and 25% viscose. The nylon adds extra strength.
The viscose is filtered to remove undissolved materials and is then forced
through a spinneret into a bath of sulphuric acid, sodium sulphate, and zinc. Complex reactions occur during which the cellulose
turns into a solid filament.
Viscose is the most widely used form of
rayon. Its use has declined somewhat due to environmental concerns about the release of
the toxic gas carbon disulphide, which is used in its manufacture.
Viscose can feel like cotton and can be made to seem like silk. It is soft, comfortable, and easy
to dye. It is often used blended with cotton to reduce cost. It is used in clothing, for bedspreads
and blankets, drapes, and upholstery.
Rayon products are often unsuited to water
washing and so have to be dry cleaned. Rayon will not stand up to high temperatures and can only be pressed with a cool iron.
High-strength rayon, produced by drawing the rayon during spinning, is used as tyre cord in car tyres. Rayon is also used with wood
pulp for high-quality paper.
41