rayon

Synthetic fibre derived from cellulose that has been regenerated, by treating wood pulp and/or cotton linters (very short fibres) with chemicals to produce a syrupy, yellowish solution. The solution is then pressed through very small holes and the resulting filaments (long fibres) are solidified. There are many different types of rayon and these include viscose and cuprammonium. They all have different characteristics, but because they are derived from cellulose (like cotton), many of these are similar to those of natural fibres. Rayon can be given properties which make it look similar to silk, cotton, or wool. It absorbs moisture, does not shrink, is cool to wear, can be mixed with other fibres, and is cheaper to produce than natural fibres.

Rayon was first made in France in the late 19th century. More efficient continuous manufacturing processes were developed in the 1930s when rayon was made from the Douglas fir tree.