Rayon Fiber (Rayon)
Rayon is a synthetic cellulose fiber, or regenerated cellulose, known as artificial silk. It was later called rayon and was improved in quality until it gained wide acceptance among users. Rayon fiber was conceived by Robert Hooke, who recorded in his book Micrographia his belief that there must be a way to invent a fiber similar to silk.
Later, George Audemars produced long fibers from a liquid mixture of mulberry twigs and nitric acid. When a needle was dipped into the liquid solution and drawn out, it formed a long fiber that dried and hardened upon exposure to air.
Ozanan successfully invented a device for making synthetic fiber, or spinneret, which was later used to produce all types of synthetic fiber. In addition, Ozanan analyzed mulberry leaves in an attempt to make fiber from them, but the result was cellulose fiber.
While Sir Joseph W. Swan was working on inventing the filament for the electric light bulb, he discovered that the nitrocellulose used to make the filament could also be used to make good fabric. His family therefore produced knitted lace fabric and clothing and exhibited them in London. His work is still on display at the National Science Museum in London to this day, and Swan is considered the first person to produce synthetic fiber from nitrocellulose. Today, nitrocellulose fiber is no longer used to make fabric but is instead used to make celluloid, which was discovered by Wesley Hyatt.
Cross and Bevan together worked out the various chemical structures of cellulose and discovered that when different types of cellulose react with carbon disulfide, a new compound is formed that is soluble in water. They named it viscose, which had a simpler and cheaper production method than nitrocellulose.
The DuPont company also turned its attention to the fabric manufacturing industry, but it lagged behind the Viscose Company of America.
After World War I, the production volume of natural fibers decreased, so synthetic cellulose fiber became more widespread. Rayon fiber continued to develop, with improved properties, increased tenacity, reduced luster, and the ability to be produced as long filaments. Japan then began to take an interest in the rayon manufacturing industry as well, eventually becoming a leader in rayon production.
There are many rayon fiber factories, still operating to this day under trade names according to their manufacturing companies, exporting and selling worldwide, since rayon fiber from Japan is inexpensive. Rayon fiber can be produced by several methods, with quality continually being improved, allowing many types to be produced with different properties.
Properties of Rayon Fabric
- Comfortable to wear, because it absorbs moisture and releases heat well
- Durable
- Heat resistant
- Wrinkles easily