Rayon fibers found in consumer goods are known by numerous trade names. Regular- and high-tenacity viscose rayons are marketed as rayon or with names like Zantrel, Avril, Enkaire, and Fibro. Cuprammonium rayon and saponified cellulose acetate are not longer in production in the U.S.
Regu1ar and medium-tenacity viscose rayons are among the least expensive of the man-made fibers, whereas high-strength, cuprammonium, and saponified cellulose acetate rayons are more expensive due to the greater care and additional steps necessary in manufacture of these fibers.
Although the properties of rayons are very nearly those of cotton, a greater range of properties exist within the various types of rayons available. Being an inexpensive fiber, rayon plays a role similar to that of cotton; however, rayon differs from cotton in that it can be modified to some degree during manufacture and is not as subject to world economic and
climatic conditions.
The dry strength of regu1ar- tenacity vi scose and cuprammon i urn rayons are lower than that found for cotton, whereas high-tenacity viscose, po1ynosic, and saponified cellulose acetate rayons are significantly stronger than cotton. All rayons lose strength when wet and are more susceptible to damage while wet.
