Rayon was the first manufactured fiber. It is made from wood pulp and is also known as artificial silk. Though it is man-made, rayon is not a synthetic fiber and its properties are very similar to those of cotton and linen.

CHARACTERISTICS
Some of the most important characteristics of rayon are:

They absorbs very well. They are very soft, have a lustrous look and comfortable to use They are easy to dye. They drape well. They are very breathable. They are not resilient. They are versatile and able to blend easily with many fibers.

TYPES
There are four major types of rayon based upon the wet strength of the fiber.

• Regular rayon: also known as viscose, low wet strength.
• High Wet Modulus (HWM): modified viscose with a higher wet strength.
• High Tenacity Rayon: modified regular rayon for exceptional strength, two times that of HWM.
• Cupramonium Rayon: similar with viscose or regular rayon.

USES

• Rayon towels, due to its light weight, compact and fast drying are best suited for travelers, backpackers and campers.
• Because rayon is not strong and durable enough, but have high absorption and moisture-holding properties they are ideal to make disposable towels, hand towel and washcloth and finger tip size for guests, hospitals, hotels, car, nursery, office, cafeterias and institutions.
• They are also best suited for cleaning.