SUDHIR MEMORIAL INSTITUTE

CHEMISTRY
PROJECT
ON

PREPARATION OF RAYON FROM FILTER PAPER

ISHITA MALLICK
CLASS : XII B
ROLL NO :
2016-2017 :

1 | Page

CERTIFICATE
SUDHIR MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
CHEMISTRY PROJECT
2016-2017

This to certify that I ISHITA MALLICK of

class XII B of SUDHIR MEMORIAL
INSTITUTE has completed the project
on the topic PREPARE A RAYON THREAD
FROM FILTER PAPER under the
complete guidance of my CHEMISTRY
TEACHER..

...
..
2 | Page

TEACHER SIGNATURE
PRINCIPAL SIGNATURE

3 | Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the accomplished 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. Primary I
would thank SUDHIR MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for
being able to complete this project with success.
Then I would like to thank my friends and my
CHEMISTRY teacher Ms. Moumita Chakraborty
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, 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 helped me in organising my
project.

4 | Page

INDEX
INTRODUCTION
05
AIM OF PROJECT
06
APPARATUS AND CHEMICALS
07
THEORY
08
CHARACTERISTICS
10
APPLICATIONS
11
PROCEDURE
16
5 | Page

 RESULT
18
PRECAUTIONS
18
CONCLUSION
18
BIBLIOGRAPHY
19

INTRODUCTION
This is natures own giant molecule. It is the
fibrous material that every plant from seaweed to
sequoia makes by baking glucose molecules in
6 | Page

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.
7 | Page

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.

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

8 | Page

Fig: 1.1

APPARATUS
a) Conical flask (preferably 250 ml)
b) Funnel
c) Glass rod
d) Beaker (preferably 250 ml)
e) Water bath
9 | Page

f) Filter paper (Whatman paper or ordinary filter

paper sheets. Preferably, Whatman).

CHEMICALS
a) CuSO4
b) NaOH solution
c) Liquor ammonia solution
d) Dilute H2SO4
e) Whatman Paper
f) Distilled H2O.

Fig: 1.2

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
10 | P a g e

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 rayons 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
11 | P a g e

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
12 | P a g e

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

13 | 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.

14 | P a g e

 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 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.
15 | 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.

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
16 | P a g e

"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. These include
disposable, non-woven markets, and high17 | P a g e

absorption 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
18 | P a g e

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 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
19 | P a g e

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.

20 | P a g e

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 pulpusually from pine,
spruce, or hemlock trees.

21 | P a g e

Fig: 1.5

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.
22 | 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.
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
23 | P a g e

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

24 | P a g e

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,
25 | P a g e

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 wont come out.

CONCLUSION
Sample of RAYON THREAD FROM FILTER
PAPER was successfully prepared.

Fig: 1.7

BIBLIOGRAPHY
26 | P a g e

 National Council of Educational Research and

Training Chemistry (Part I) Textbook for
Class XII.
Together With Lab Manual Chemistry XII.
Bharti Bhawan (Publishers & Distributors)
Comprehensive Chemistry Lab Manual XII .
Wikipedia The free encyclopedia.

Fig: 1.8

(Examiner Signature)

27 | P a g e