PROPERTIES OF RAYON
LUSTRE
Rayon is a lustrous fibre, so it is often used
for formal wear. Rayon may be treated with
a delustring finish to reduce the lustre of
the fabric.
DRAPE
Rayon has good drapeability.
ABRASION
RESISTANCE
Abrasion resistance is fair and rayon resists
pill formation.
STRENGTH
Rayon has low to medium strength but the
strength reduces by 40- 70% when wet,
causing it to stretch easily
ABSORBENCY
Rayon is highly absorbent, as it is an
amorphous fibre.
ELONGATION
The elongation of rayon is low to moderate.
THERMAL
PROPERTIES
Rayon is a good conductor of heat and
therefore is a cool fibre, suitable for
summer clothing.
Rayon is highly flammable due to its
cellulosic nature
RESILIENCY
Rayon has poor resiliency, as it is inelastic.
DIMENSIONAL
STABILITY
Rayon has poor dimensional stability. This is
evident in hemlines on rayon garments,
which will often drop out of shape.
ELASTICITY
Rayon has poor elasticity due to large
percentage of amorphous regions.
EFFECT OF
CHEMICALS
Rayon is damaged by acids.
Strong alkalis may disintegrate rayon.
SUN RESISTANCE
Rayon is sun resistant.
COLOUR FASTNESS
Colour fastness is dependent on the
dyestuff used to dye the fibre or fabric.
SHRINK RESISTANCE
Rayon fabric will shrink more than cotton
fabrics.
RESISTANCE TO
BIOLOGICAL ATTACK
Rayon is damaged by silverfish and mildew.