Rayon classification in fibre science:\nRayon is best described as which type of fibre?

Introduction / Context:
Textile fibres are grouped by origin and chemistry: natural, regenerated, and fully synthetic. Rayon is often misunderstood because it is derived from cellulose yet manufactured by a chemical process. Recognising where rayon fits is essential for predicting properties like moisture regain, dyeability, and thermal behavior.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Rayon originates from natural cellulose (e.g., wood pulp).
• Rayon is manufactured via regeneration processes (viscose or cuprammonium routes).
• “Natural fibres” usually refer to directly harvested fibres like cotton, silk, wool.

Concept / Approach:
Rayon is a regenerated cellulosic fibre. The cellulose is dissolved chemically and reprecipitated as continuous filaments. It remains cellulosic in chemistry (glucose repeat units) but is not “natural” in the strict fibre classification because it is manufactured from solution rather than harvested as a fibre. Hence, the most accurate classification is “cellulosic.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standards (e.g., textile fibre generic names) place rayon in the regenerated cellulose family alongside modal and lyocell variants.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Polyamide/polyester: synthetic families (nylon/PET), not rayon.
• Natural: rayon is man-made from natural polymer; it is not a natural fibre in classification.
• Inorganic glass fibre: unrelated chemistry and properties.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “from plants” with “natural fibre”; processing route matters for classification.

Final Answer:
Cellulosic