Wholesale Rayon Fabric 

Rayon is among the most popular and highly used fabric in the world. The top producers and exporters of the material are China, Indonesia, Italy, and India. 

What is Rayon Fabric  

Rayon fabric is a material made from semi-synthetic fibers. This is because it is made from purified cellulose-based materials derived from plants, after which the fibers undergo heavy chemical processing. 

Rayon can always be blended with other natural and synthetic fibers to produce better products and cut raw materials costs. 

Among the reasons why the fabric is popular is because it is cheap than most fabrics. The resulting products are, therefore, more affordable. 

History of Rayon Fabric 

Rayon is one of the oldest fabrics in the textile industry and was the first cellulosic fiber to be manufactured. 

Although the development of rayon goes back several centuries ago, the first practical commercial production of the material was in 1884. This breakthrough was realized in France by Count Hilaire de Chardonnet.

Artificial Silk (art silk) Fabric

Artificial silk or mostly known as Art Silk is made from man-made fiber. Its common fabric material is rayon, but today it can also be made of 100% sustainable polyester fiber to imitate silk.

Artificial silk (art silk, aka. rayon) is any synthetic fiber that resembles silk, but typically costs less to produce. So rayon fabrics is the textile made of artificial silk.

Uses of Rayon Fabric 

Rayon is a unique fabric with broad applications in the fashion industry, athletic wear, and even home decor. Here are some of the products made using the fabric:

• Tunics
• Dresses
• Skirts
• Shirts
• Lingerie
• Beddings 
• Children clothing 
• Shoes
• Bags
• Curtains
• Drapes
• Carpets

Pros and Cons of Rayon Fabric 

Pros

• Cheap 
• A versatile fabric
• Lightweight
• It has a luxurious appearance
• Ability to shape-shift 
• Soft and comfortable  
• Absorbs moisture and water well 
• Retains color well 

Cons

• Not durable
• Can easily shrink
• Limited washing methods 
• Not easily stretchable 
• Not sustainable 
• Vulnerable to temperature changes 

Types of Rayon Fabric

There are three common types of rayon: viscose, lyocell, and modal, bamboo rayon.. 

1. Viscose Rayon

Viscose is the most common type of rayon fabric and is also the one with the lowest strength. The material is derived from wood pulp and is considered a substitute for silk. 

2. Modal Rayon

Modal is made from beech tree pulp. The fabric is usually made with a mixture of other fibers, such as cotton, to make it stronger.  

Modal is a more expensive fabric than viscose since it is considered more luxurious. 

3. Lyocell Rayon 

Similar to modal rayon, lyocell is also obtained from beech trees. The notable difference is that the production process of lyocell makes use of fewer harsh chemicals. Lyocell rayon is highly absorbent compared to the viscose type, which makes it suitable for making clothes.

4. Bamboo rayon fabric:

It is made mostly from natural fibers that are infused with human-made chemicals to create a strong and durable fabric. While beech tree pulp and fiber are commonly used, it is also common to use bamboo. In Bamboo Rayon, the bamboo fibers are reshaped, creating regenerated cellulose.

Production and processing of Rayon fabric

Rayon is a man-made fabric made from regenerated cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp. The production process of Rayon fabric involves the following steps:

1. Pre-Treatment – The wood pulp is first treated with a series of chemicals to break down the cellulose into a solution.
2. Spinning – The solution is then forced through a spinneret, a device that extrudes the solution into fine strands called filaments.
3. Washing and Neutralization – The filaments are then washed and neutralized in a bath of chemicals to remove any impurities and to ensure the filaments have a uniform chemical composition.
4. Bleaching and Dyeing – The filaments are then bleached and dyed to create the desired color and appearance of the fabric.
5. Finishing – The Rayon fabric is then treated with chemicals to enhance its properties such as softness, drape, and luster.

There are several types of Rayon fabrics based on their production method, including:

1. Viscose Rayon – The most common type of Rayon fabric that is made by the viscose process. It is known for its softness and drape.
2. Modal Rayon – A high-strength type of Rayon made by spinning reconstituted cellulose in a spinning solution of 15% to 20% sodium hydroxide at temperatures of 20 °C to 40 °C.
3. Lyocell Rayon – A sustainable type of Rayon made by dissolving cellulose in a solvent that is recovered and reused, reducing the environmental impact of the production process.

Sustainability is a major concern when it comes to the production of Rayon fabric. While Rayon is a renewable resource and can be produced from fast-growing trees such as bamboo and eucalyptus, the production process involves the use of toxic chemicals that can have a negative impact on the environment if not properly managed. However, there are efforts to produce Rayon fabric more sustainably, such as the use of closed-loop production systems and the adoption of eco-friendly production methods like lyocell.

Maintaining and caring for Rayon fabric

Rayon fabric is known for its soft and luxurious feel, but it can be delicate and requires proper care to maintain its quality and longevity. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for Rayon fabric:

1. Follow the care label instructions – Rayon fabric can be sensitive to certain cleaning methods, so it’s important to follow the care label instructions carefully. Be sure to check the label for specific washing and drying instructions, such as water temperature, whether it can be machine washed or hand washed, and whether it can be tumble dried or air-dried.
2. Wash in cold water – Rayon fabric can shrink and lose its shape if exposed to hot water, so it’s best to wash it in cold water. If possible, use a gentle cycle and avoid harsh detergents.
3. Avoid direct sunlight – Rayon fabric can fade and weaken if exposed to direct sunlight, so it’s best to store it in a dark and cool place.
4. Iron on low heat – Rayon fabric can easily wrinkle, so it’s important to iron it on low heat. If possible, use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric and avoid direct heat.
5. Avoid using fabric softeners – Fabric softeners can damage Rayon fabric and weaken its fibers. Instead, try using a gentle detergent or a natural fabric softener such as vinegar or baking soda.
6. Hang or fold immediately – After washing, it’s important to hang or fold Rayon fabric immediately to prevent wrinkles and maintain its shape.
7. Dry clean if necessary – If the care label specifies dry cleaning, it’s important to take it to a professional cleaner who is experienced with Rayon fabric.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Rayon fabric maintains its softness, shape, and quality over time.

Future of Rayon fabric

The future of Rayon fabric looks bright, as it continues to be a popular and versatile material in many different industries. There are several potential advancements in its production and new applications in different industries.

1. Sustainable production – One of the major advancements in the future of Rayon fabric is the development of more sustainable production methods. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their clothing choices, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly fabrics. The use of closed-loop production systems and more eco-friendly production methods such as lyocell are promising steps towards a more sustainable future for Rayon fabric.
2. New applications in the fashion industry – Rayon fabric has long been a popular material for clothing and fashion, but there are new and exciting applications emerging in the industry. For example, some designers are using Rayon fabric to create sustainable and biodegradable accessories such as handbags and shoes.
3. Medical and technical textiles – Rayon fabric is also finding new applications in the medical and technical textile industries. In the medical field, it is being used to create wound dressings, surgical gowns, and other medical textiles. In the technical textile industry, it is being used to create high-strength, flame-retardant, and heat-resistant fabrics for use in a variety of applications, from automotive to aerospace.
4. Smart textiles – Rayon fabric has the potential to be used in the development of smart textiles, which are textiles that are integrated with electronics and other advanced technologies. This could lead to the creation of clothing that can monitor vital signs, adjust to changing environmental conditions, and communicate with other devices.

In summary, the future of Rayon fabric is looking bright, with potential advancements in its production and new applications in different industries. As sustainability continues to be a major concern for consumers, the development of more eco-friendly production methods and the use of Rayon fabric in sustainable fashion and accessories are particularly promising areas of growth. Additionally, the use of Rayon fabric in medical and technical textiles, as well as in the development of smart textiles, could lead to exciting new innovations in the future.