How Rayon Is Used in Daily Life and Industry
Natural fibres (such as flax, wool, hemp, and cotton) have been utilised for textile (woven products) for a very long time. The long-standing stranglehold of natural fibres for garment and manufacturing usages, nevertheless, has been confronted by synthetic fibres since the emergence of "Chardonnet silk" in the late 19th era, the fusty category of rayon to be commercialised, and they have had a significant and expanding economic effect globally. The use of rayon in the United States reached 300 million pounds by 1938 and for the very first period surpassed that of wool. Even yet, it only made up around 10% of the entire quantity of cotton consumed.
Prior to World War I, rayon accounted for nearly all of the manufacturing of man-made fibres. However, after the war, new kinds of completely synthetic fibres, like nylon, polyesters, etc., with particular desired traits, have taken over a higher portion of both the synthetic fibre and total fibre markets. The global annual output of rayon was still higher in the early 1970s compared to any other fibre aside from cotton, and rayon continues to be utilised in addition to silk and other natural fibres in a variety of textile areas.
What is Rayon?
A synthetic textile product made of refined, renewed, and reassembled plant substance, like cellulose or cellulose derivatives, is referred to as rayon. In contrast to entirely synthetic fibres like nylon or dacron, whereby the scientist synthesised from low mass chemicals by polymerization processes, this long-chain polymeric framework is originally supplied by the environment and is merely changed and partly disintegrated by chemical reactions.
What are the Uses of Rayon?
Some of the uses of rayon are mentioned below.
In the textile sector, rayon is used to make apparel such as sarees, shirts, dresses, and socks.
Employed to create blankets, bed sheets, and other textiles.
Employed in carpet production.
Employed in the medical industry to create surgical wraps and bandages.
Employed in the production of tyre cords in the tyre business.
Tampons and sanitary pads, among other hygiene supplies, are made of rayon.
In food packaging in place of cellophane, rayon is also employed in food packaging.
From the above-mentioned uses of rayon, most of them are the uses of rayon in daily life by certain populations in one or other way. For instance, people who work in hospitals need to come across rayon-made materials daily.
Industrial uses of rayon thread contribute when it is sewed, rayon constantly leaves a lovely impact, making it a preferred option. Whenever employed for cosmetic functions, like appliqué or decorative quilting, as opposed to binding pieces together architecturally, like edge-to-edge quilting, it's a stunning option.
Properties of Rayon
A flexible fibre is rayon.
Rayon is indeed very soft, cool, pleasant, and has excellent absorption capabilities, but it cannot effectively trap body heat and should not be utilised in humid, hot climates.
Rayon fibres are just as comfortable as natural fibres.
Rayon may mirror the texture and sensation of woollen, linen, cotton, and silk.
Rayon is quickly dyed a wide range of colours.
Rayon is the fibre with the lowest elastic modulus.
High wet modulus (HWM) rayon has excellent endurance and is stronger. One may machine wash HWM rayon.
The standard rayon fibres can only be dry cleaned.
Benefits
Affordable but seems and sounds expensive.
Certain iterations of this cloth are renowned for having a silky texture.
Fits good and breathable.
Combines well with different fibres.
Simple dyes that produce stunning colours.
Drawbacks
A fragile fabric that becomes even weaker when exposed to light or moisture.
May shrink when washed; therefore, dry cleaning is required.
May be harmed while pressing if the compounds utilised in the production process are not managed appropriately.
Interesting Facts
Since rayon comes in filament format and resembles silk fabric in some ways, it was formerly referred to as “artificial silk or wood silk”.
This resemblance is misleading, though, as rayon fibres' chemical make-up is very different from that of silk fabrics.
Particularly in the United Britain, this first semi-synthetic fabric was granted the brand term rayon in 1924.
If sulphuric acid is added to a mixture of cellulose in cuprammonium hydroxide, the cellulose starts to precipitate out of the mixture. A complicated copper complex combines with the sulphuric acid and breaks. A tiny blue rayon fibre is created. Following a little period, the complicated product combines with the sulphuric acid to wipe the copper salts off the fibres. The fibres fade to colourless.
Key Features to Remember
Rayon is a synthetic material manufactured by redeveloping cellulose.
Rayon is made from spontaneously existing polymers, while it can also be entirely made of natural materials.
Rayon is as comfortable as natural fibres.
FAQs on Uses of Rayon: Everyday Applications and Importance
1. What is rayon and why is it often called a semi-synthetic fibre?
Rayon is a versatile fibre produced from a natural source, regenerated cellulose, which is typically derived from wood pulp or cotton linters. Although it is manufactured, it is called a semi-synthetic fibre because its raw material is natural, unlike fully synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon which are made entirely from chemicals.
2. What are the main uses of rayon in different industries?
Rayon's versatility allows it to be used across various sectors. Its main applications include:
- Apparel: Used for making shirts, blouses, dresses, and jackets due to its comfortable feel and silk-like lustre.
- Home Furnishings: Widely used for bedsheets, curtains, blankets, and upholstery.
- Industrial Uses: Employed in making surgical dressings and bandages in the medical field, as well as for manufacturing tyre cords due to its strength.
3. What are the key properties of rayon that make it a popular fabric?
Rayon is popular because it combines the positive qualities of both natural and synthetic fibres. Its key properties include:
- High Absorbency: It is highly absorbent, making it comfortable to wear in hot and humid climates.
- Soft and Comfortable: It has a smooth, soft texture that feels comfortable against the skin.
- Lustre: It has a natural sheen that mimics the appearance of silk, which is why it's also known as 'artificial silk'.
- Drapes Well: The fabric flows well, making it ideal for clothing that requires a graceful fall.
4. Can you give some examples of rayon products found in our daily lives?
Yes, rayon is very common in everyday items. You can find it in clothing like summer dresses, shirts, and lingerie. In homes, it is used to make bedsheets, carpets, and curtains. It is also used in the medical field for creating sterile items like surgical dressings and bandages.
5. How does rayon compare to natural fibres like cotton and silk?
Rayon is often compared to natural fibres as it shares some characteristics. Compared to silk, rayon offers a similar lustre and drape but at a much lower cost. Compared to cotton, rayon is more absorbent but tends to lose significant strength when wet, whereas cotton becomes stronger. While cotton is breathable, rayon's smooth texture is often considered more silk-like.
6. What is the main difference in use between rayon and nylon?
The primary difference lies in their properties and origins. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fibre prized for its absorbency and comfort, making it suitable for clothing and home textiles. Nylon is a fully synthetic polymer known for its exceptional strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion. Therefore, nylon is typically used for items requiring high durability, such as ropes, fishing nets, parachutes, and toothbrushes.
7. Why does rayon lose its strength when it gets wet?
Rayon's structure is based on cellulose, which readily absorbs water molecules. When rayon gets wet, the water penetrates the fibre, causing it to swell. This process weakens the intermolecular bonds holding the cellulose chains together, leading to a significant reduction in its tensile strength and making it more prone to stretching or tearing.
8. Is there a difference between rayon and viscose?
Yes, there is a subtle difference. Rayon is the general term for any fibre made from regenerated cellulose. Viscose refers to the most common manufacturing process used to create rayon, known as the 'viscose process'. So, while all viscose fabric is a type of rayon, not all rayon is made using the viscose method. However, in everyday language, the terms are often used interchangeably.
9. What are the environmental concerns related to the production of rayon?
While rayon is made from a renewable source (wood pulp) and is biodegradable, its production has environmental impacts. The 'viscose process' uses toxic chemicals like carbon disulphide, which can be harmful to workers and the environment if not handled and recycled properly. Furthermore, sourcing wood pulp can contribute to deforestation if it is not harvested from sustainably managed forests.
