Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber manufactured from regenerated cellulose derived from natural sources, such as wood and various agricultural products. It possesses the same molecular structure as cellulose and exists in numerous types and grades of fibers and films.
The material is frequently used to create textiles for clothing and other applications because it can be woven or knitted to imitate the texture and feel of natural fibers like silk, wool, cotton, and linen. Production involves solubilizing cellulose fibers through three primary methods: the obsolete cuprammonium process, the viscose process using alkali and carbon disulfide, and the more expensive Lyocell process which utilizes amine oxide.