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1 | P a g e RURAL INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY DUCATION Mathakondapalli Model

School CHEMISTRY Project On PREPARATION OF RAYON FROM FILTER PAPER
MOHAMAD ISSAQ PASHA.I Class: 12.A Roll no: 2014 -15
2. 2. 2 | P a g e MATHAKONDAPALLI MODEL SCHOOL CHEMISTRY PROJECT 2014 2015
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE Certified to be the bonafide Project work done by Mohamad Issaq
Pasha.I of class XII in Mathakondapalli Model School, Hosur during the year 2014 2015.
Date: Teacher incharge Submitted for AISSCE practical examination held on
__________________________ At Mathakondapalli Model School, Hosur. Project Title
PREPARATION OF RAYON FROM FILTER PAPER Name of the candidate Mohamad Issaq
Pasha.I Register No: Center Code : External Examiner School Seal Principal
3. 3. 3 | P a g e ACKNOWLEDGEMENT In the accomplishment of this project successfully,
many people have best owned upon me their blessings and the heart pledged support, this
time I am utilizing to thank all the people who have been concerned with project. Primarily I
would thank RICE-MATHAGONDAPALLI MODLE SCHOOL for being able to complete this
project with success. Then I would like to thank my principal Dr NAVIS JAI CHITHRA and my
CHEMISTRY teacher Ms.K.Puneetha, whose valuable guidance has been the ones that
helped me patch this project and make it full proof success her suggestions and her
instructions has served as the major contributor towards the completion of the project. Then I
would like to thank my parents and friends who have helped me with their valuable
suggestions and guidance has been helpful in various phases of the completion of the
project. Last but not the least I would like to thank my classmates who have helped me a lot.
4. 4. 4 | P a g e INDEX 1. CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE2 2.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT....3 3.
INTRODUCTION.....5 4. AIM OF
PROJECT..6 5. APPARATUS
REQUIRED.7 6.
THEORY.8 7. PROCEDURE
FOLLOWED.18 8.
CONCLUSION.23 9.
BIBLIOGRAPHY....24
5. 5. 5 | P a g e Introduction Cellulose is natures own giant molecule. It is the fibrous material
that every plant from seaweed to the sequoia makes by baking glucose molecules in long
chains; the chains are bound together in the fibers that give plants their shape and strength.
Wood has now become the main source of cellulose. Since it contains only 40% to 50%
cellulose, the substance must be extracted by pulping. The logs are flaked and then
simmered in chemicals that dissolve the tarry lignin, resins and minerals. The remaining pulp
about 93% cellulose is dried and rolled into sheets-raw material for paper, rayon and other
products. It can be obtained in 2 ways: 1. Viscose Process: Cellulose is soaked in 30%
caustic soda solution for about 3 hrs. The alkali solution is removed and the product is
treated with CS2. This gives cellulose xanthate, which is dissolved in NaOH solution to give
viscous solution. This is filtered and forced through a spinneret into a dilute H2SO solution,
both of which harden the gum-like thread into rayon fibers. The process of making viscose
was discovered by C.F.Cross and E.J.Bevan in 1891. 2. Cuprammonium Rayon:

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Cuprammonium rayon is obtained by dissolving pieces of filter paper in a deep blue solution
containing tetra-ammine cupric hydroxide. The latter is obtained from a solution of copper
sulphate. To it, NH4OH solution is added to precipitate cupric hydroxide, which is then
dissolved in excess of NH3. Reactions: CuSO4 + 2NH4OH Cu(OH)2 + (NH4)2SO4 Pale
blue ppt Cu(OH) 2 + 4NH4OH [Cu(NH3) 4](OH) 2 + 4H2O [Cu(NH3) 4](OH) 2 + pieces of
filter paper left for 10-15 days give a Viscous solution called VISCOSE.
6. 6 | P a g e Aim of the Project The main objective of the project is to illustrate the
preparation of rayon by the cuprammonium process. Instead of wood pulp as the cellulose
source, attempt is done to make use of raw cellulose products such as waste paper (unprinted), filter paper etc.
7. 7 | P a g e Apparatus And Chemicals @:- Beakers(250 ml.) @:- Conical flask(250ml.) @:Filter flask @:- Funnel @:-glass rod @:- Sodium hydroxide solution @:- Copper sulphate @:50% Ammonia solution @:- Filter paper strips @:- Syringe
8. 8 | P a g e THEORY Of all the fibers, rayon is probably the most perplexing to consumers.
It can be found in cotton-like end uses, as well as sumptuous velvets and taffetas. It may
function successfully in absorbent hygiene and incontinence pads and equally well providing
strength in tire cords. What is this fiber that has so many faces? Rayon was the first
manufactured fiber. The term rayon was officially adopted by the textile industry. Unlike most
man-made fibers, rayon is not synthetic. It is made from wood pulp, a naturally-occurring,
cellulose-based raw material. As a result, rayon's properties are more similar to those of
natural cellulosic fibers, such as cotton or linen, than those of thermoplastic, petroleumbased synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester. Although rayon is made from wood pulp, a
relatively inexpensive and renewable resource, processing requires high water and energy
use, and has contributed to air and water pollution. Modernization of manufacturing plants
and processes combined with availability of raw materials has increased rayon's
competitiveness in the market. History Rayon is the generic term for fiber (and the resulting
yarn and fabric) manufactured of regenerated cellulose by any one of six processes. Its
importance as a fiber lies in its versatility, and in the fact that it was the first viable
manufactured fiber. As far back as 1664, English naturalist Robert Hooke theorized that
artificial filaments might be spun from a substance similar to that which silkworms secrete to
make silk. This
9. 9 | P a g e was often tried by scientists in the ensuing years who sought an "artificial silk",
yet no one was to succeed until in 1855 the Frenchman did so, George Audemars. By
dipping a needle into a viscous solution of mulberry bark pulp and gummy rubber, he was
able to make a thread. While interesting from a scientific standpoint, this process was hardly
viable economically - it was very slow, and required a great deal of skill and precision. The
first commercial synthetic fiber was produced by Hilaire de Bernigaud, Count of Chardonnay
(1839-1924) after 29 years of research, was patented in 1884, and manufactured by him in
1889. This cellulose-based fabric known as Chardonnay silk was pretty but very flammable, it
was removed from the market. Soon after, the English chemist Charles Frederick Cross and
his collaborators Edward John Bevan and Clayton Beadle discovered the viscose process in
1891 (1892?). Courtaulds Fibers produced the first commercial viscose rayon in 1905; the
first in the United States was in 1910 by the American Viscose Company. Initially rayon was

called "Artificial Silk", and many other names. In 1924 (1926?), a committee formed by the
U.S. Department of Commerce and various commercial associations decided upon the name
"rayon". It was called "rayon" for one of two reasons: either because of its brightness and
similarities in structure with cotton (sun = ray, -on = cotton). Or because the naming
committee couldn't find a name from the thousands entered in a contest they sponsored, and
who hoped to shed a "ray of light" on the subject (from rayon, French for ray). Properties
Viscose Rayon has a silk-like aesthetic with superb drape and feel and retains its rich brilliant
colors. Its cellulosic base contributes many properties similar to those of cotton or other
natural cellulosic fibers. Rayon is moisture absorbent (more so than cotton), breathable,
comfortable to wear, and easily dyed in vivid colors. It does not build up static electricity, nor
will it pill unless the fabric is made from short, low-twist yarns. Rayon is comfortable, soft to
the skin, and has moderate dry strength and abrasion resistance. Like other cellulosic fibers,
it is not resilient, which means that it will wrinkle.
10. 10. 10 | P a g e Rayon withstands ironing temperatures slightly less than those of cotton. It
may be attacked by silverfish and termites, but generally resists insect damage. It will mildew,
but that generally is not a problem. One of rayon's strengths is its versatility and ability to
blend easily with many fibers sometimes to reduce cost, other times for luster, softness, or
absorbency and resulting comfort. Rayon has moderate resistance to acids and alkalis and
generally the fiber itself is not damaged by bleaches; however, dyes used in the fabric may
experience color change. As a cellulosic fiber, rayon will burn, but flame retardant finishes
can be applied. Fiber Properties overview General Characteristics: Rayon as a cloth is soft
and comfortable. It drapes well, which is one of the reasons it is so desirable as an apparel
fabric. Most characteristics are variable depending on processing, additives and finishing
treatments, not to mention fabric construction. Absorbency: Rayon is the most absorbent of
all cellulose fibers, even more so than cotton and linen. Because of this, rayon absorbs
perspiration and allows it to evaporate away from the skin, making it an excellent summer
fabric. Its high absorbency applies equally to dyes, allowing beautiful, deep, rich colours.
Strength: It loses a great deal of strength when wet. Because of this, it stretches and shrinks
more than cotton. Abrasion resistance: Poor due to inelasticity of the fibers. It is easily
damaged by scraping and will pill on the surface of the cloth. Flammability: Because of its
excessive flammability, it inspired the Flammable Fabrics Act. The FFA was enacted by the
U.S. Department of Commerce in 1953 in response to public concern over a number of
serious burn accidents involving brushed rayon high pile
11. 11. 11 | P a g e sweaters (referred to as "torch sweaters") and children's cowboy chaps
which could easily catch fire and flash burn. Static: No static build-up. Parameters
Comparative Rating Cotton Viscose Polyester Comfort Moisture Regain Good Very good
Poor Thermal protection Good Very good Poor Air permeability Very good Good Poor
Softness Good Very good Poor Smoothness Poor Good Very good Static dissipation Good
Very good Poor Aesthetic Drape Good Very good Poor Luster Poor Very good Very good
Crease recovery Poor Poor Very good Uniformity Poor Very good Good Utility Performance
Antipilling Good Very good Poor Wash & wear Good Poor Very good
12. 12. 12 | P a g e Applications Yarns: embroidery thread, chenille, cord, novelty yarns
Fabrics: crepe, gabardine, suiting, lace, outerwear fabrics and linings for fur coats &

outerwear. Apparel: blouses, dresses, saris, jackets, lingerie, linings, millinery (hats), slacks,
sport shirts, sportswear, suits, ties, work clothes.
13. 13. 13 | P a g e Domestic Textiles: bedspreads, blankets, curtains, draperies, sheets, slip
covers, tablecloths, upholstery. Industrial Textiles: high-tenacity rayon is used as
reinforcement to mechanical rubber goods (tires, conveyor belts, hoses), applications within
the aerospace, agricultural and textile industries, braided cord, tapes Various: sausage
casing, cellophane Grades flat yarn high tenacity fibers tow tops spun yarns Jet
spun viscose yarn Ne 30/1, low pilling
14. 14. 14 | P a g e Revised Siro spun viscose yarn Ne 30/1, low pilling Types of Rayon There
are four major types or modifications of rayon. Understanding each type should help clarify
differences in product performance. 1. "Regular rayon" has the largest market share. It is
typically found in apparel and home furnishings and identified on labels by the term
"viscose." The distinguishing property of regular rayon is its low wet strength. As a result, it
becomes unstable and may stretch or shrink when wet. Dry cleaning is usually
recommended to preserve the appearance of fabrics made from this fiber. If machine
washed, untreated regular rayon can shrink as much as 10 percent. 2. High Wet Modulus
(HWM) rayon is a modified viscose that has virtually the same properties as regular rayon,
plus high wet strength. HWM rayon can be machine washed and tumble dried and perform
much like cotton in similar end uses. HWM rayon can also be mercerized, like cotton, for
increased strength and luster. The terms frequently used to describe HWM rayon in apparel
include "polynosic" rayon or the trade name MODALTM . 3. High Tenacity Rayon is a
modification of "regular rayon" to provide exceptional strength (two times that of HWM rayon).
High tenacity rayon is primarily found in tire cord and industrial end uses. It may be finished,
chemically coated, or rubberized for protection from moisture and potential loss of
dimensional stability and strength during use. 4. Cupramonium Rayon is another type with
properties similar to those of viscose or regular rayon. The manufacturing process differs
somewhat from that of regular rayon and is less environmentally friendly. As a result,
cupramonium rayon is no longer produced in the United States. Other types of rayon have
been developed for specialized end uses. These include disposable, non-woven markets,
and high-absorption rayon fibers with moisture-holding
15. 15. 15 | P a g e properties for disposable diapers, hygiene and incontinence pads, as well as
medical supplies. Microfibers are not a type of rayon, but rather a very fine fiber that can be
manufactured from either regular or HWM rayon. Microfibers are generally less than one
denier in diameter. Rayon microfibers have been successfully produced at 0.9 denier. Fabrics
from microfibers are very drapable and silk-like in hand and appearance. Processability Fiber
Production By using two different chemicals and manufacturing techniques, two basic types
of rayon were developed - viscose rayon and cupramonium. Other processes for rayon
include the polynosic (modal) process and the now obsolete nitrocellulose and saponified
acetate processes. The nitrocellulose process is likely obsolete not only because the viscose
and cupramonium processes are more effective, they are also safer; the nitrocellulose
process results in a fiber with explosive properties. As recently as 1992 there has been an
entirely new process developed for producing regenerated cellulose fibers: the Lyocell
process, developed by Courtaulds. While it is sufficiently different from rayon to almost be in

a class by itself, the U.S. Federal Trade commission has formally amended the textile rules to
add Lyocell as a subclass of rayon. As viscose is the most common and recognized process
for making rayon today, the process is outlined below. While the United States government
considers fibers from all the above processes rayon, the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) prefers the name viscose for rayon (regenerated cellulose) obtained by
the viscose process. The name viscose was derived from the word viscous, which describes
the liquid state of the spinning solution. Dissolution The cellulosic raw materials for rayon are
wood chips (usually from spruce or pine) or cotton linters. These are treated to produce
sheets of purified cellulose containing 87-98% cellulose. They are then bleached with sodium
hypochloride (NaOCl) to remove natural colour. These cellulose sheets are then soaked in
18% caustic soda for 1 to 2 hours
16. 16. 16 | P a g e producing sheets of alkali cellulose. Any excess alkali is pressed out. The
substance is broken up into flakes or grains called cellulose crumbs, which are aged for two
or three days under controlled temperature and humidity. Liquid carbon disulfide is added to
the crumbs to change the cellulose into cellulose xanthate, a light orange substance that is
still in crumb form. These crumbs are dissolved in a weak solution of caustic soda and
transformed into a viscous solution called "viscose", honey-like in colour and consistency.
Extrusion To produce the rayon filament, the viscose solution is aged, filtered, then vacuumtreated to remove any air bubbles that could weaken the filament and cause it to break. It is
then pumped through spinnerets into a bath of sulfuric acid, which coagulates the cellulose
xanthate to form regenerated filaments of 100% cellulose. The many variations and different
properties of viscose such as luster, strength, softness and affinity for dyes, are influenced
here by varying the technique and by the addition of external materials. Purification Once
extruded, the freshly formed viscose must be purified and strengthened. It is thoroughly
washed, treated with a dilute solution of sodium sulfide to remove any sulfur impurities. It
may be bleached to remove a slight yellowness and to secure even white colour, and then
given a final washing.
17. 17. 17 | P a g e Background For centuries humankind has relied upon various plants and
animals to provide the raw materials for fabrics and clothing. Silkworms, sheep, beaver,
buffalo deer, and even palm leaves are just some of the natural resources that have been
used to meet these needs. However, in the last century scientists have turned to chemistry
and technology to create and enhance many of the fabrics we now take for granted. There
are two main categories of man-made fibers: those that are made from natural products
(cellulosic fibers) and those that are synthesized solely from chemical compounds
(noncellulosic polymer fibers). Rayon is a natural-based material that is made from the
cellulose of wood pulp or cotton. This natural base gives it many of the characteristicslow
cost, diversity, and comfortthat have led to its popularity and success. Today, rayon is
considered to be one of the most versatile and economical man-made fibers available. It has
been called "the laboratory's first gift to the loom." In the 1860s the French silk industry was
being threatened by a disease affecting the silkworm. Louis Pasteur and Count Hilaire de
Chardonnet were studying this problem with the hope of saving this vital industry. During this
crisis, Chardonnet became interested in finding a way to produce artificial silk. In 1885 he
patented the first successful process to make a useable fiber from cellulose. Even though

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other scientists have subsequently developed more cost-effective ways of making artificial
silk, Chardonnet is still considered to be the father of rayon.
18. 18 | P a g e For the next forty years this material was called artificial or imitation silk. By
1925 it had developed into an industry unto itself and was given the name rayon by the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The term rayon at this time included any man-made fiber
made from cellulose. In 1952, however, the FTC divided rayons into two categories: those
fibers consisting of pure cellulose (rayon) and those consisting of a cellulose compound
(acetate). By the 1950s, most of the rayon produced was being used in industrial and home
furnishing products rather than in apparel, because regular rayon (also called viscose rayon)
fibers were too weak compared to other fibers to be used in apparel. Then, in 1955,
manufacturers began to produce a new type of rayonhigh-wet-modulus (HWM) rayon
which was somewhat stronger and which could be used successfully in sheets, towels, and
apparel. The advent of HWM rayon (also called modified rayon) is considered the most
important development in rayon production since its invention in the 1880s. Today rayon is
one of the most widely used fabrics in our society. It is made in countries around the world. It
can be blended with natural or man-made fabrics, treated with enhancements, and even
engineered to perform a variety of functions. Raw Materials Regardless of the design or
manufacturing process, the basic raw material for making rayon is cellulose. The major
sources for natural cellulose are wood pulpusually from pine, spruce, or hemlock trees
and PROCEDURE A. Preparation of Schweitzers Solution: a) Weighed 20g of CuSO4.5H20.
b) Transfered that to a beaker having 100ml distilled water and added 15ml of dilute H2SO4
to prevent hydrolysis of CuSO4.
19. 19 | P a g e c) Stirred it with a glass rod till a clear solution was obtained. Added 11ml of
liquor ammonia drop by drop with slow stirring. The precipitate of cupric hydroxide was
separated out. d) Filtered the solution containing cupric hydroxide through a funnel with filter
paper. e) Washed the precipitate of cupric hydroxide with water until the filtrate fails to give a
positive test for sulphate ions with barium chloride solution. f) Transfered the precipitate to a
beaker that contain 50ml of liquor ammonia and washed it down the funnel. The precipitate
when dissolved in liquor ammonia gave a deep blue solution of tetra-ammine cupric
hydroxide. That was known as SCHWEITZERS SOLUTION.
20. 20 | P a g e B. Preparation of Cellulose material a) 2g of filter paper was weighed and
divide it into very fine pieces and then transfered these pieces to the tetra-ammine cupric
hydroxide solution in the beaker. b) Sealed the flask and kept for 10 to 15 days, during that
period the filter paper was dissolved completely.
21. 21 | P a g e C. Formation of Rayon Thread a) Taken 50ml of distilled water in a glass
container. To that added 20ml of conc H2SO4 drop by drop. Cooled the solution under tap
water. In a big glass container poured some of the solution. b) Filled the syringe with
cellulose solution prepared before. c) Placed the big glass container containing H2SO4
solution produced before in ice (the reaction being spontaneous results in excess release of
energy in the form of heat which makes the fibers weak and breaks them). d) Immersed the
tip of the syringe in the solution and pressed gently. Noticed the fibers getting formed in the
acid bath. Continude to move and pressed the syringe to extrude more fibers into the bath.

22. 22. 22 | P a g e e) Left the fibers in solution till they decolorize and become strong enough. f)
Filtered and washed with distilled water. RESULT:- Rayon thread was prepared from filter
paper.
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24. 24. 24 | P a g e CONCLUSION By doing this experiment I have learnt a lot about the rayon.
Now I can do this experiment when I am free and also I can make. I thank my school RURAL
INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION MATHAKONDAPALLI MODEL SCHOOL for
giving me this opportunity for doing this project successfully and I also thank my Chemistry
teacher PUNEETHA for Her support which helped me in making this project a good success.
I also thank my friends. Finally I thank all the helping hands which helped me doing this
project THANK YOU