This document describes the process of preparing rayon from filter paper using the cuprammonium process. It begins with an acknowledgement and index, then provides an introduction to cellulose and the two main processes for producing rayon - viscose and cuprammonium. The aim and required apparatus are stated. Extensive theory is then given on the properties and production of rayon, including its history, fiber properties, applications, types, and processability. The procedure to be followed is listed, with a planned conclusion and bibliography.

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RURAL INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY DUCATION
Mathakondapalli Model School
CHEMISTRY
Project
On
PREPARATION OF
RAYON FROM
FILTER PAPER
MOHAMAD ISSAQ PASHA.I
Class: 12.A
Roll no:
2014 -15

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MATHAKONDAPALLI MODEL SCHOOL
CHEMISTRY PROJECT
2014 – 2015
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified to be the bonafide Project work done by
Mohamad Issaq Pasha.I
of class XII in Mathakondapalli Model School, Hosur during the year 2014 – 2015.
Date: Teacher incharge
Submitted for AISSCE practical examination held on __________________________
At Mathakondapalli Model School, Hosur.
Project Title PREPARATION OF RAYON FROM FILTER PAPER
Name of the candidate Mohamad Issaq Pasha.I
Register No:
Center Code :
External Examiner School Seal Principal

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the accomplishment 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.
Primarily I would thank RICE-MATHAGONDAPALLI
MODLE SCHOOL for being able to complete this project
with success. Then I would like to thank my principal Dr
NAVIS JAI CHITHRA and my CHEMISTRY teacher
Ms.K.Puneetha, 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 and 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 have helped me a lot.

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INDEX
1. CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE……………………………………2
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………....3
3. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………….....5
4. AIM OF PROJECT…………………………………………….……….6
5. APPARATUS REQUIRED………………………………………….…7
6. THEORY……………………………………………………………….8
7. PROCEDURE FOLLOWED……………………………………….…18
8. CONCLUSION………………………………………………………….23
9. BIBLIOGRAPHY……………………………………………………....24

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Introduction
Cellulose is nature’s own giant molecule. It is the fibrous material that every plant from
seaweed to the sequoia makes by baking glucose molecules in long chains; the chains are
bound together in the fibers 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 H2SO 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)2SO4
Pale blue ppt
Cu(OH) 2 + 4NH4OH → [Cu(NH3) 4](OH) 2 + 4H2O
[Cu(NH3) 4](OH) 2 + pieces of filter paper left for 10-15 days give a
Viscous solution called VISCOSE.

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

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Apparatus And Chemicals
@:- Beakers(250 ml.)
@:- Conical flask(250ml.)
@:- Filter flask
@:- Funnel
@:-glass rod
@:- Sodium hydroxide solution
@:- Copper sulphate
@:- 50% Ammonia solution
@:- Filter paper strips
@:- Syringe

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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, petroleum-based 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

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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". 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.

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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.
 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

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sweaters (referred to as "torch sweaters") and children's cowboy chaps which could
easily catch fire and flash burn.
 Static:
No static build-up.
Parameters
Comparative Rating
Cotton Viscose Polyester
Comfort
Moisture Regain Good Very good Poor
Thermal protection Good Very good Poor
Air permeability Very good Good Poor
Softness Good Very good Poor
Smoothness Poor Good Very good
Static dissipation Good Very good Poor
Aesthetic
Drape Good Very good Poor
Luster Poor Very good Very good
Crease recovery Poor Poor Very good
Uniformity Poor Very good Good
Utility Performance
Antipilling Good Very good Poor
Wash & wear Good Poor Very good

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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.

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 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
Jet spun viscose yarn Ne
30/1, low pilling

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Revised Siro spun
viscose yarn Ne 30/1,
low pilling
Types of Rayon
There are four major types or modifications of rayon. 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 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. As a result, cupramonium rayon is no longer
produced in the United States.
Other types of rayon have been developed for specialized end uses. These include
disposable, non-woven markets, and high-absorption rayon fibers with moisture-holding

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properties for disposable diapers, hygiene and incontinence pads, as well as medical
supplies.
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.
Processability
Fiber Production
By using two different chemicals and manufacturing techniques, two basic types of rayon
were developed - viscose rayon and cupramonium. Other processes for rayon include the
polynosic (modal) process and the now obsolete nitrocellulose and saponified acetate
processes. 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.
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 hours

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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", honey-like 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 then given a final washing.

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Background
For centuries humankind has relied upon various plants and animals to provide the raw
materials for fabrics and clothing. Silkworms, sheep, beaver, buffalo deer, and even palm
leaves are just some of the natural resources that have been used to meet these needs.
However, in the last century scientists have turned to chemistry and technology to create and
enhance many of the fabrics we now take for granted.
There are two main categories of man-made fibers: those that are made from natural
products (cellulosic fibers) and those that are synthesized solely from chemical compounds
(noncellulosic polymer fibers). Rayon is a natural-based material that is made from the
cellulose of wood pulp or cotton. This natural base gives it many of the characteristics—low
cost, diversity, and comfort—that have led to its popularity and success. Today, rayon is
considered to be one of the most versatile and economical man-made fibers available. It has
been called "the laboratory's first gift to the loom."
In the 1860s the French silk industry was being threatened by a disease affecting the
silkworm. Louis Pasteur and Count Hilaire de Chardonnet were studying this problem with
the hope of saving this vital industry. During this crisis, Chardonnet became interested in
finding a way to produce artificial silk. In 1885 he patented the first successful process to
make a useable fiber from cellulose. Even though other scientists have subsequently
developed more cost-effective ways of making artificial silk, Chardonnet is still considered
to be the father of rayon.

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For the next forty years this material was called artificial or imitation silk. By 1925 it had
developed into an industry unto itself and was given the name rayon by the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC). The term rayon at this time included any man-made fiber made from
cellulose. In 1952, however, the FTC divided rayons into two categories: those fibers
consisting of pure cellulose (rayon) and those consisting of a cellulose compound (acetate).
By the 1950s, most of the rayon produced was being used in industrial and home furnishing
products rather than in apparel, because regular rayon (also called viscose rayon) fibers were
too weak compared to other fibers to be used in apparel. Then, in 1955, manufacturers began
to produce a new type of rayon—high-wet-modulus (HWM) rayon—which was somewhat
stronger and which could be used successfully in sheets, towels, and apparel. The advent of
HWM rayon (also called modified rayon) is considered the most important development in
rayon production since its invention in the 1880s.
Today rayon is one of the most widely used fabrics in our society. It is made in countries
around the world. It can be blended with natural or man-made fabrics, treated with
enhancements, and even engineered to perform a variety of functions.
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—and
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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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.

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e) Left the fibers in solution till they decolorize and become strong enough.
f) Filtered and washed with distilled water.
RESULT:-
Rayon thread was prepared from filter paper.

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CONCLUSION
By doing this experiment I have learnt a lot about the rayon. Now I can do this
experiment when I am free and also I can make. I thank my school RURAL
INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION MATHAKONDAPALLI
MODEL SCHOOL for giving me this opportunity for doing this project
successfully and I also thank my Chemistry teacher PUNEETHA for Her
support which helped me in making this project a good success. I also thank my
friends. Finally I thank all the helping hands which helped me doing this project
THANK YOU

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
HELP FROM
INTERNET
INFORMATION
FROM LIBRARY
HELP FROM
TEACHERS
1) NCERT textbook class 12
2) NCERT physics lab Manuel
3) INTERNET
4) www.yahoo.com
5) www.google.com

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