2A Viscose (Rayon)

Question 1

Properties

Answer 1

• very absorbent: can absorb up to 14% water vapour
• comfortable on the skin: fine and soft fibres
• good handle and drapes well
• non-static(always contains moisture)
• poor elasticity: wrinkle and creases easily
• poor insulators(do not trap air due to fibre structure)
• prone to damage by mildew and acid
• poor resistance to abrasion(poor elasticity)
• when wet: poor strength - can cause fibres to stretch
• biodegradable

Question 2

Finishes

Answer 2

• shrink resistance: improves creasing/reduces absorption
• others: texture, moiré, crimping

Question 3

Blends

Answer 3

Staple viscose are blended with mainly:
- cotton
- linen
- wool
- polyester
- elastane

Their uniformity, lustre and absorption are helpful.

Question 4

Fabrics

Answer 4

Filament viscose:
- lustrous crepe fabrics

Staple viscose:
- cotton
- wool
- linen types

Question 5

End uses

Answer 5

• blouses
• dresses
• lingerie
• ribbon/trims
• lining
• curtains

Question 6

Aftercare

Answer 6

• washable
• easy to iron
• can be dry-cleaned/no tumble dry
• no bleach

Question 7

Testing

Answer 7

Burning:
Rapid, bright flame with an afterglow

Question 8

Source

Answer 8

• comes from eucalyptus/pine/beech wood pulp OR cotton linters(short cotton fibres: waste product from cotton processing)
• processed to remove impurities and resins: leaves pure cellulose
• cellulose pressed into sheets
• sheets: dissolved in a solvent to form viscose solution - then processed into a useable fibre

Question 9

Viscose fibre

Answer 9

Fibres produced as filament yarns and staple fibres. These fibres have lengthwise lines called striations and they possess a cross section with a circular shape with indents. Viscose is a versatile fibre which imitates the texture and feel of silk, cotton, wool and linen.