SUDHIR MEMORIAL INSTITUTE

CHEMISTRY
PROJECT

ON

PREPARATION OF RAYON FROM FILTER PAPER

1|Page
 INDEX

• INTRODUCTION

• AIM OF PROJECT

• THEORY

• CHARACTERISTICS

• APPLICATION’S

• PROCEDURE

• RESULT

• PRECAUTIONS

• CONCLUSION

• BIBLIOGRAPHY

2|Page
 INTRODUCTION

This is nature’s own giant molecule. It is the fibrous material that every plant from seaweed
to sequoia makes by baking glucose molecules in long chains; the chains are bound together

in the fibres 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 H2SO4 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: 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)2S04 Pale blue ppt. Cu(OH) 2 + 4NH4OH — [Cu(NH3)4](0H) 2 + 4H2O [Cu(NH3)4](0H) 2
+ pieces of filter paper left for 10-15 days give a viscous solution called VISCOSE.

3|Page
 Aim of projects

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 the raw
cellulose such as waste paper (un-printed), filter paper etc.

Fig: 1.1

4|Page
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 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".

5|Page
 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.

CHARACTERISTICS
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.

6|Page
 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 sweaters (referred to as "torch sweaters") and children's cowboy chaps
which could easily catch fire and flash burn.

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.
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.

Fig: 1.3

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

7|Page
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. These include disposable, non-woven markets, and
highabsorption rayon fibers with moisture-holding properties for disposable diapers,
hygiene and incontinence pads, as well as medical supplies.

5. 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.

Fiber Production :
Fiber Production by using two different chemicals and manufacturing techniques, two basic
types of rayon were developed - viscose rayon and cupramonium. 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.

8|Page
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 hour 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", honeylike in colour and consistency.

Extrusion :
To produce the rayon filament, the viscose solution is aged, filtered, then vacuum-treated
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 final washing.

9|Page
 Fig: 1.4

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 pulp—usually from pine,
spruce, or hemlock trees.

10 | P a g e
 PROCEDURE
A. Preparation of Schweitzer’s 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.

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
SCHWEITZER’S SOLUTION.
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.
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 solutionand 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.

11 | P a g e
e) Left the fibers in solution till they decolorize and become strong enough.
f) Filtered and washed with distilled water.

Fig: 1.6 RESULT

Rayon thread was prepared from filter paper. PRECAUTIONS
a) Addition of excess NH/
should be avoided.
b) Before
taking the viscose in the syringe make sure that it does not contain any particles of paper,
otherwise, it would clog the needle of the syringe.
c)Addition of NH/ should be done in a fume cupboard and with extreme care. The fumes if
inhaled may cause giddiness.
d) Use a thick needle otherwise the fibers won’t come out. CONCLUSION
Sample of RAYON THREAD FROM FILTER PAPER was successfully prepared.

12 | P a g e
 Fig: 1.7

BIBLIOGRAPHY

13 | P a g e
 • National Council of Educational Research and
o Training Chemistry (Part I) – Textbook for Class XII.
• Together With Lab Manual Chemistry XII.
• Bharti Bhawan (Publishers & Distributors)
o Comprehensive Chemistry Lab Manual XII . Wikipedia The free
encyclopedia.

14 | P a g e