The Disadvantages of Rayon Fabric
Rayon was originally created as less expensive alternative to silk, and it is used for clothing, embroidery thread or home-decorating products. According to Fibersource.com, rayon is "highly absorbent, soft and comfortable, easy to dye, and drapes well." Rayon is cheap, versatile and easy to care for. It is an ideal fabric for many products, but as a fabric it has its disadvantages as well.
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How Rayon Is Made
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Rayon is created from tree cellulose. The most common process of producing rayon is called the viscose process, which is why much rayon is called viscose rayon. This complex process involves extracting cellulose from wood pulp, pressing and then shredding the cellulose, and letting it age. From there, the viscose is eventually filtered and spun into fibers. The fibers are then drawn, washed and cut. So, though rayon is technically a synthetic fabric, it is made from natural sources. Rayon can also be blended with other fabrics, including cotton, polyester, wool and silk, to create fabric for apparel, home goods and other products such as disposable diapers.
Uses of Rayon
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Rayon is an everyday fabric used for home-decorating products, such as slipcovers, drapes, tablecloths and sheets. Dresses, shirts, lingerie, sportswear and blouses are also commonly made of rayon. Rayon is also used in feminine products, disposable diapers, medical surgical products and cellophane.
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Disadvantages
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Though rayon can withstand high temperatures without melting, it does fade when exposed to sunlight and may also deteriorate. Some rayon is flammable, but some is made to be fire retardant. When wet, rayon may stretch, but when it is washed, it may shrink. It is also vulnerable to mildew. Further, rayon is not very strong and wrinkles very easily.
Proper Care for Rayon
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To avoid running into problems with rayon, it is best to take care of it properly. To prevent rayon from shrinking, it is best to hand wash it in lukewarm water. It can also be dry-cleaned. Bleach won't harm the fabric, but you should use care when using chlorine bleach. When drying the fabric, lay it out flat, and do not twist or wring it. This may stretch the fabric or cause it to wrinkle. If the rayon garment or fabric needs to be pressed, use a cool iron. If cared for well, rayon can have a long life. Without proper care, the fabric can fade, wrinkle, shrink or collect mildew. As with all fabrics, you should keep rayon away from acids or anything that can stain.
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References
- Photo Credit Fabric image by cacheman from Fotolia.com
