Viscose

Prepared By : Mazadul Hasan sheshir
ID: 2010000400008
13th Batch (session 2009-2013)
Department : Wet Processing Technology
Email: mazadulhasan@yahoo.com
Blog : www. Textilelab.blogspot.com (visit)
Southeast University
Department Of Textile Engineering
I/A 251,252 Tejgaon Dhaka Bangladesh
Prepared By :
©right

Viscose is a regenerate cellulose fiber because it is produced from naturally
occurring polymers .the raw materials of viscose rayon may be cotton linters ,the
short staple fiber adhering to the cotton sheet, or wood pulp derivatives from
northern spruce, western hemlock, eucalyptus, or southern slash pine. The pulps
of these soft’s woods , containing 94% cellulose, are especially suited to fiber
manufacturing.
Viscose:

Viscose is a cellulosic man-made of artificial fiber. The starting material
for the production of filaments and staple fibers is pulp, meanly
produced from wood and linters, but also from annual plants (paper &
pulp). Viscose rayon consists of cellulose of lower DP than cotton
cellulose. The DP (degree of polymerization) of viscose polymer is (300-
450). Molecular weight of Viscose is 90,000 to 110,000 and number of
glucose residues 550 to 680. According to ISO/TC6 the code of Viscose is
CV. Since pulp fibers in their natural state are too short to be spun into
yarns, they are dissolved and regenerated in filament form. The viscose
fiber is made by solution wet spinning principal.
Chemical Structure of Cellulose
Viscose:

Definition by F T C :
**rayon is a manufactured fiber composed of regenerated ,as well as
manufactured fiber composed of regenerated cellulose in which substitutes have
placed not more then 15% of hydrogen’s of the hydroxyl groups **
DEFINITIONS OF VISCOSE:

Chemistry of Viscose Rayon
Cellulose, Soda Cellulose, Sodium Cellulose Xanthate, Regenerated Cellulose

The great advances in chemistry and machine building at the end of
the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century have contributed to the
development of the commercial manufacture of artificial fiber.
A new era in the manufacture of manmade fibers began at the end of the thirties. In
the course of the last 75 years about 100 different types of manmade fibers.
However, comparatively small number of manmade fiber is produced in large
commercial amounts and these are fibers of low manufacturing cost.
Viscose fibers are made from regenerated cellulose.
Since 1905 the viscose fiber is manufacture in England. The production has stabilized
at approximately 2.7 million tons worldwide (Europe 600000 tons).
History of Viscose:

History of Viscose:
Currently (2005), about 85 % of the total viscose fibre production is produced as staple
fibers and about 15 % as filaments.
In recent history in Europe, textile viscose filament end-users are receiving increased
competition (resulting in phasing out of capacity) by cheaper competitive yarns based on
polyester and polyamide, whereas viscose staple fibre and viscose try cord keep a strong
position.
Rayon is the oldest commercial manmade fiber. The U. S. Trade Commission defines rayon
as "manmade textile fibers and filaments composed of regenerated cellulose". The
process of making viscose was discovered by C.F.Cross and E.J.Bevan in 1891.
The process used to make viscose can either be a continuous or batch process. The batch
process is flexible in producing a wide variety of rayons, with broad versatility. Rayon's
versatility is the result of the fiber being chemically and structurally engineered by making
use of the properties of cellulose from which it is made.

However, it is somewhat difficult to control uniformity between batches and it also
requires high labor involvement.
The continuous process is the main method for producing rayon. Three methods of
production lead to distinctly different rayon fibers: viscose rayon, cuprammonium
rayon and saponified cellulose acetate. Of the methods mentioned, the viscose
method is relatively inexpensive and of particular significance in the production of
nonwoven fabrics.
History of Viscose:

• Preparation of wood pulp
• Steeping & Pressing
(Formation of Soda cellulose & excess alkali is pressed out)
• Shredding
(In two or three hours, formation “Crumbs”)
• Ageing
(In atmospheric oxygen, D.P. falls from 800 – 350)
• Churning
(Xanthation )
• Mixing
(Solution)
• Ripening
• Spinning
• Drying
Flow chart of viscose rayon manufacturing:

STRUCTURE OF RAYON
Fig . Structure of unit cell of cellulose
The unit cell of cellulose is shown in Fig.

Chemical Composition of Viscose

Density:
The density of Viscose rayon is 1.53 g/cc. Rayon filaments are available in three
densities: 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5
Tensile Strength:
The Tensile Strength of the fibre is less when the fibre is wet than when dry. It is
1.5-2.4 gpd in the dry state and 0.7-1.2 gpd in the wet state.
Stiffness:
Normally the stiffness of viscose fiver is 11.2 g/d.
Moisture Absorption
It absorbs more moisture than cotton. For Viscose Rayon is 13% moisture absorbs
at 21˚C.
Elasticity:
The elasticity of Viscose Rayon is less than 2-3%.
Action of Heat
At 150˚C or more, Viscose Rayon loses its strength and begins to decompose at
(175-204) ˚C.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

1. Wood
2. Seed hair
3. Bast
4. Grasses
5. Leaf
6. Bamboo
Raw materials of viscose rayon fiber:

Preparation of wood pulp:
Wood chips treated with calcium bic-sulphide, and the treated chips then cooked with steam
under the pressure.
Steeping:
Soak cellulose in 17.5 percent sodium hydroxide for two hours and Produces soda
cellulose
Shredding:
Soda cellulose is mechanically disintegrated in 2-3 hours to fine crumbs.
Ageing:
During ageing from 1-3 days at 20оC, the degree of polymerization (DP) falls from 800- 350.
Churning:
Carbon disulfide added in deficiency only 70% of theory. The crumbs dissolve in 3 hours to
produce sodium cellulose xanthenes.
Mixing:
Sodium cellulose xanthenes are treated with 3% NaOH for 4-5 hours to give a solution
containing 715% cellulose and 6.5% NaOH.
Ripening:
The solution is stored for 2-5 days at (10-18)оC. The viscosity falls (degradation) and then rises.
Spinning:
Extruded into the bath containing 10% H2SO4 about 18% Na2SO4, 10% H2, 1%
ZnSO4 at (40-55) C.
Manufacturing process of Viscose rayon:

Elongation at Break:
High tenacity rayon has only 9-17% elongation at break but ordinary Viscose
rayon has 15-30% elongation at break.
Resiliency:
The resiliency nature of viscose fiber is low. Dimensional stability for HWM is
high.
Colour & luster:
The color of viscose is white & no colour. Luster is high.
Softening temperature:
At 149-163˚C viscose fiber will be soft.
Specific gravity:
The specific gravity of viscose rayon is 1.5.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

Effect of Acid:
Similar to cotton fibre. Viscose rayon is attacked by hot dilute or cold concentrated mineral acids
(H2SO4, HCl), which weaken and disintegrate the fibre.
Effect of Alkalis:
Like cotton, Viscose rayon has a high degree of resistance to dilute alkalis.
Strong solutions of alkali cause swelling, with loss of tensile strength.
[]
Effect of Bleach:
Viscose rayon is sensitive to oxidizing agents such as high-strength hydrogen peroxide5. As a
result the bleaching of regenerated cellulose fibers may not always necessary before dying.
Action of Microorganisms:
Microorganisms (moulds, mildew, fungus, bacteria) affect the colour, strength, dyeing properties
and luster of rayon. Clean and dry viscose rayon is rarely attacked by moulds and mildew.
Effect of Iron:
Viscose Rayon is attacked with iron in the form of ferrous hydroxide weakens the yarns.
Therefore staining, marking or touching of rayon to iron or iron surface should be avoided.
Action of Solvents:
Textile solvents can be used on Viscose rayon without any deteriorating effect.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:

1. Highly absorbent
2. Soft and comfortable
3. Easy to dye
4. Drapes well
The drawing process applied in spinning may be adjusted to produce rayon fibers
of extra strength and reduced elongation. Such fibers are designated as high
tenacity rayons, which have about twice the strength and two-third of the stretch
of regular rayon.
An intermediate grade, known as medium tenacity rayon, is also made. Its
strength and stretch characteristics fall midway between those of high tenacity
and regular rayon .
Rayon Fiber Characteristics

Preparation of the wood pulp:
The starting mtl is timber. It is floated on rivers
to the mtls. Here the bark is removed and the
wood is chipped into pieces about inches. The
chips are treated with Calcium bi sulphite and
the treated chips then cooked with steam under
pressure for about 14 hrs. . These treatments
do not greatly affect the cellulose but it
decomposes and solubilizes the encrusting
substances. So purifying the cellulose. Then
bleached with hypochlorite and converted into
paper boards or sheets.
Description of Viscose manufacturing:

Steeping & Pressing:
The flat, white sheets of board contain about
90 to 94% of pure cellulose. The sheets are
then stacked vertically in the press
and then soaked in a 17.5% solution
of caustic soda for 1-4 hrs. This
process is known as Steeping. Then
the excess alkali is pressed out.

Shredding:
The shredding m/c consists of a drum inside
which revolve a pair of blades with serrated
edges. The shredders are water cooled and
will take 200 lb of pressed soda cellulose at a
time. In two or three hrs they break it up into
fine “Crumbs” (break into very small pieces).

Description of Viscose manufacturing:Ageing:
After shredding, the crumbs are aged. Some de
polymerization occurs and the degree of
polymerization falls from about 800 to 350 in this
process. The higher the temp, the more rapidly does
ageing – which is mainly a process of depolymerisation.
Churning:
After ageing, the soda cellulose crumbs are introduced
into rotating air-tight hexagonal churns. About 10% of
their own (crumbs) weight of carbon disulphide is
added and the crumbs and disulphide are churned up
together, a deep orange, gelatinous mass of sodium
cellulose Xanthate is formed.

Mixing (Solution):
In the mixers the sodium cellulose xanthate is stirred with
dilute caustic soda for 4 to 5 hrs, the vessel being cooled.
The xanthate dissolves to a clear-brown, viscous liquid,
similar in appearance to honey this liquid is known as
“Viscose” but is still too impure, too acetated and too
young to spin.
Ripening:
The viscose solution is stored for 4 to 5 days at 10o-18oC
and during storage it ripens. The test which is available
to determine when viscose is ripe enough to be
spun is as given below -
Acetic acid test:

Spinning:
• Ripen viscose soln extruded through the spinneret mostly made
of platinum alloys. The jet of viscose enters a co-agulating bath
containing the followed composition of mixture-
– Sulphuric acid.
– Sodium sulphate.
– Zinc sulphate
Purification:
The yarn collected in the Topham Box is impure and relatively
weak, it has to be purified. Purification consists of 4- operation
– Washing
– Desulphurising, a process which is sometimes called
sulphiding.
– Bleaching
– Washing.

• .
1. Selection of main viscose feed.
2. Pump
3. Candle filter
4. Glass rounder end
5. Coagulating bath
6. Selection of acid
replenishing pipe
7.Spinneret
8. Bottom godet
9. Top godet
10.Funnel
11.Topham Box
12. Drive for topham box
13. Traverse
14. Fresh air Inlet
15. Fumes sucked out
17. Cake

Proper recipe of a coagulating bath during spinning
• .
Recipe Reaction
Na2SO4
-
18% →
Used as coagulant; The Na2SO4 precipitates the Na-
cellulose Xanthate from the viscose solution into the
form of filaments.
H2SO4
-
10% →
Regenerating agent and also neutralizes the alkali.
Converts Na- cellulose Xanthate to regenerated
cellulose.
ZnSO4
-
1% →
Causes variation in strength, excess use degrades quality
of viscose. It causes serrated X- section so that the dye
absorbency increased.
Glucose
-
2% →
Given pliability and softness of the yarn, increase
viscosity of bath, control cellulose formation.
Water - 69%
Temperature - 40o-55oC

Figure : Process of manufacture of viscose rayon fiber

1. Cuprammonium or cupro rayon:
Cuprammonium or cupro regenerated cellulose obtained by the cuprammonium
process. The cuprammonium is obtained from the aqueous cuprammonium
hydroxide solvent and the 1st bath contains warm water where the filaments are
stretched and the second bath containing dilute H2SO4 completes the coagulation.
So Cellulose + Cuprammonium hydroxide CuproThe international organization
standardization prefers the name cupro.
Properties:
1. Tenacity: 1.7-2.3 g/d (dry), 1.1-1.35 g/d (wet)
2. Elongation at break: 10-19% (dry), 17-33% (wet)
3. D.P.: 500
4. Cross section: Round
5. Recovery from stretch: Good
6. MR%: 11%
Four regenerated cellulose fibres:

CUPRAMMONIUM RAYON
It is produced by a solution of cellulosic
material in cuprammonium hydroxide
solution at low temperature in a nitrogen
atmosphere, followed by extruding through
a spinnerette into a sulphuric acid solution
necessary to decompose cuprammonium
complex to cellulose.
This is a more expensive process than that
of viscose rayon. Its fiber cross section is
almost round.
Fig. : Cupro flow chart

2. Polynosic:
Polynosic or modal regenerated cellulose obtained by process giving a
high tenacity and high wet modulus. In other words, Polynosic is a
regenerated cellulose fibre which, when wet remains stronger and
distorts less than either Cuprammonium or Viscose. The Intl.
Organization for standardization prefers the name modal.
Properties:
1. Tenacity: 3.9 g/d (dry), 2.9 g/d (wet)
2. Elongation at break: 11% (dry), 13 %(wet)
3. D.P.: 450-500
4. Cross section: Round
5. Recovery from stretch: Good
6. MR%: 11.8%

3. Tancel:
General name is Lyocel. Tancel is solvent spun cellulosic fibre of new
generic class produce a clear viscose solution which is treated and spun
into a bath contain dilute solution of the solvent. Tencel is the best fibre
among regenerated cellulose fibres. The fibre is called CF0001 in USA.
Properties:
– Tenacity: 3.5 (dry), 2.5 (wet)
– longation: 11.8%
– X-section: Round
– MR%: 11.5

Rayon fibers are engineered to possess a range of properties to meet the demands for
a wide variety of end uses. Some of the important types of fibers are briefly described.
High wet modulus rayon:
These fibers have exceptionally high wet modulus of about 1 g/den and are used as
parachute cords and other industrial uses. Fortisan fibers made by Celanese
(saponified acetate) has also been used for the same purpose.
Polynosic rayon:
These fibers have a very high degree of orientation, achieved as a result of very high
stretching (up to 300 %) during processing. They have a unique fibrillar structure, high
dry and wet strength, low elongation (8 to 11 %), relatively low water retention and
very high wet modulus.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF RAYONS

Flame retardant fibers:
Flame retardance is achieved by the adhesion of the correct flame- retardant
chemical to viscose. Examples of additives are alkyl, aryl and halogenated alkyl or aryl
phosphates, phosphazenes, phosphonates and polyphosphonates. Flame retardant
rayons have the additives distributed uniformly through the interior of the fiber and
this property is advantageous over flame retardant cotton fibers where the flame
retardant concentrates at the surface of the fiber.
Super absorbent rayons:
This is being produced in order to obtain higher water retention capacity (although
regular rayon retains as much as 100 % of its weight). These fibers are used in
surgical nonwovens. These fibers are obtained by including water- holding polymers
(such as sodium polyacrylate or sodium carboxy methyl cellulose) in the viscose prior
to spinning, to get a water retention capacity in the range of 150 to 200 % of its
weight.
Specialty rayons:

Micro denier fibers:
rayon fibers with deniers below 1.0 are now being developed and introduced into
the market. These can be used to substantially improve fabric strength and
absorbent properties.
Cross section modification:
Modification in cross sectional shape of viscose rayon can be used to
dramatically change the fibers' aesthetic and technical properties. One such
product is Viloft, a flat cross sectional fiber sold in Europe, which gives a unique
soft handle, pleasing drape and handle. Another modified cross section fiber
called Fibre ML(multi limbed) has a very well defined trilobal shape. Fabrics made
of these fibers have considerably enhanced absorbency, bulk, cover and wet
rigidity all of which are suitable for usage as nonwovens .
Specialty rayons:

Tencel rayon:
Unlike viscose rayon, Tencel is produced by a straight solvation process. Wood
pulp is dissolved in an amine oxide, which does not lead to undue degradation
of the cellulose chains. The clear viscous solution is filtered and extruded into
an aqueous bath, which precipitates the cellulose as fibers. This process does
not involve any direct chemical reaction and the diluted amine oxide is purified
and reused. This makes for a completely contained process fully compatible
with all environmental regulations.
Specialty rayons:

Lyocell:
A new form of cellulosic fiber, Lyocell, is starting to find uses in the nonwovens
industry. Lyocell is manufactured using a solvent spinning process, and is
produced by only two companies -- Acordis and Lenzing AG. To produce Lyocell,
wood cellulose is dissolved directly in n-methyl morpholine n-oxide at high
temperature and pressure. The cellulose precipitates in fiber form as the solvent
is diluted, and can then be purified and dried. The solvent is recovered and
reused. Lyocell has all the advantages of rayon, and in many respects is superior.
It has high strength in both dry and wet states, high absorbency, and can
fibrillate under certain conditions. In addition, the closed-loop manufacturing
process is far more environmentally friendly than that used to manufacture
rayon, although it is also more costly.
Specialty rayons:

Differentiate between four re-generated fibers:
Properties Viscose rayon Polynosic Cupro Cotton
1. Tenacity
2. Elongation at
break
3. D.P.
4. Cross section
5. Recovery from
stretch
6. MR%
1.5-2.4 (dry)
0.7-1.2 (wet)
15-30% (dry)
20-35% (wet)
250-300
Serrated
Poor
13%
3.9 (dry)
2.9 (wet)
11% (dry)
13% (wet)
450-500
Round
Good
11.8%
1.7-2.3 (dry)
1.1-1.35 (wet)
10-19% (dry)
17-33% (wet)
500
Round
Good
11%
3-5 (dry)
3.6-6 (wet)
3-7%
5000
Flat/kidney
shaped.
Good
8.5%

1. Some major Rayon fiber uses include apparel (e. g. Blouses, dresses, jaket,
lingerie, scarves, suits, hats, socks).
2. The home furnishings (e. g. bedspreads, window treatments, upholstery,
slipcovers).
3. Industrial uses (e. g. medical surgery products, non-woven products, tire cord).
4. The lower tensile strength high extension at brake its use limited.
5. The filling in Zippo lighters.
6. Other Uses: Feminine hygiene products.
End use of Viscose Rayon:

Apparel: Accessories, blouses, dresses, jackets, lingerie, linings, millinery, slacks,
sportshirts, sportswear, suits, ties, work clothes;
Home Furnishings: Bedspreads, blankets, curtains, draperies, sheets, slipcovers,
tablecloths, upholstery;
Industrial Uses: Industrial products, medical surgical products, nonwoven products,
tire cord
Other Uses: Feminine hygiene products
Some Major Rayon Fiber Uses

Some major rayon fiber uses include apparel (e.g. Aloha shirts, blouses, dresses,
jackets, lingerie, linings, scarves, suits, neckties, hats, socks), the filling in Zippo
lighters, furnishings (e.g. bedspreads, bedsheets, blankets, window treatments,
upholstery, slipcovers), industrial uses (e.g. medical surgery products, non-woven
products, tire cord), and other uses (e.g. yarn, feminine hygiene products, diapers,
towels). Rayon is a major feedstock in the production of carbon fiber.
In early 2010, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission warned several retailers that six
major manufacturers were falsely labeling rayon products as "bamboo", in order to
appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. While rayon may be produced with
bamboo as a raw material, and the two may be used for similar fabrics (though natural
bamboo is not as smooth), rayon is so far removed from bamboo by chemical
processing that the two are entirely separate.
Uses:

1. Yarn Manufacturing Technology
Link : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yarn-Manufacturing-Technology/485014954866808
2. Fabric Manufacturing Technology
Link : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fabric-Manufacturing-Technology/459520217425605
3. Garments Manufacturing Technology
Link : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Garments-Manufacturing-
Technology/472364799463126
3. Wet processing Technology
Link : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wet-Processing-Technology-Dyeing-/468645219825404
4. Fashion-Design-and-Technology
Link : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fashion-Design-and-
Technology/587655294583875?ref=ts&fref=ts
My Facebook Textile related Pages
http://www.textilelab.blogspot.com (Visit My Blog for more Info )

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