Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made from natural sources of regenerated cellulose, such as wood and related agricultural products. It is also known as viscose and is commercialized in some countries as sabra silk or cactus silk. Rayon is a versatile fabric that can imitate the look and texture of other natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and silk. It is a low-cost and convenient fiber to work with and lends itself to diverse uses. There are several grades of rayon, including viscose, modal, and lyocell.
Rayon fabrics are soft, smooth, cool, comfortable, and highly absorbent, but they do not always insulate body heat, making them ideal for use in hot and humid climates. Rayon is commonly found in blouses, trousers, dresses, skirts, t-shirts, and interior decorations like bed sheets, upholstery, and blankets. One of the most common types of rayon is viscose rayon, which has a lot in common with cotton. It’s breathable, moisture-absorbent, and a popular choice for casual and athletic wear.
However, there are also downsides to the rayon fabric in terms of durability. For example, many chemicals are used in the production of the fabric, and much of the wood used for rayon comes from endangered jungles. Despite this, rayon is biodegradable and is actually more biodegradable than other fibers of natural origin, such as cotton.
