Rayon fabric is neither made from natural fiber nor from synthetic. It is
made by regenerating natural materials into a usable form. It is economical
and can be found in cotton-like end uses or that of sumptuous velvets and
taffetas. The fabric absorbs moisture more than cotton and has a good
breathable quality. It is soft to skin and is comfortable to wear. It is
non-static and never pills.
Rayon was developed in France in the 1890s and was then named as
'artificial silk'. In the year 1924, it was named as 'rayon' and was
officially adopted by the textile industry. It is made from wood pulp, which
is a naturally-occurring cellulose-based raw material. Hence, the properties
of rayon fabric are similar to natural cellulose fibers like cotton or
linen.
Types of Rayon
Regular Rayon - This rayon has the largest market share. It is
typically used in apparel and home furnishing. It has low wet strength and
becomes unstable and may stretch or shrink when wet.
High Wet Modulus (HWM) - This rayon has the same property as regular
rayon but with high wet strength. It performs much like cotton in similar
end uses. Like cotton, it can be mercerized for increased strength and
luster.
High Tenacity Rayon - This is a modified regular rayon with
exceptional strength (two times the strength of HWM rayon). It is primarily
used in tire cord and industrial end uses. It is sometimes chemically
coated, or rubberized for the protection from moisture. It resists loss of
dimensional stability and strength during the use.
Microfibers - This is manufactured from either regular rayon or HWM
rayons. Rayon microfibers are very fine. The fabrics from microfibers drapes
better and are silk-like in hand and appearance.
Characteristics of Rayon Fabric
- It is strong and durable.
- It is extremely absorbent.
- It is soft and comfortable.
- It is breathable.
- It is easily dyed in vivid colors.
- It is abrasion resistant.
- It resists insect damage.
- It does not pill.
- It drapes well and does not have a problem with static.
- It wrinkles easily.
- It looses 30% to 50% of its strength when wet.
Uses of Rayon Fabric
- Apparel - Blouses, dresses, jackets, lingerie, linings,
millinery, slacks, sport shirts, sportswear, suits, ties, work clothes
- Home Fashions - bedspreads, blankets, curtains, draperies,
sheet, slip covers, tablecloths, upholstery.
