Artificial silk, also known as
rayon, is a synthetic fiber that was first developed in the late 19th century.
It was created as a way to produce a fabric that was similar in appearance and
feel to silk, but more affordable and accessible to the general public.
Artificial silk is made from cellulose, which is a
natural polymer found in plants. The cellulose is treated with chemicals to dissolve
it, and the solution is then extruded through a spinneret to create long
fibers. The fibers are then stretched and dried to form the final product.
Rayon is known for its soft, silky texture and its
ability to drape well, making it a popular choice for clothing and other
textiles. It is also relatively easy to dye and can be blended with other
fibers to create a variety of different fabrics.
However, artificial silk is not as durable as
natural fibers such as cotton or silk, and is not as resistant to shrinkage,
stretching, and wrinkling. It is also sensitive to moisture, and can become
brittle and break if wet.
Despite these limitations, artificial silk
continues to be a popular and widely used fiber, and is found in a range of
products, including clothing, bedding, and upholstery. It is also used in the
manufacture of medical and industrial products, such as surgical sutures,
fishing line, and tire cord.