Viscose is a manufactured cellulose fiber that is made from plant-based materials. It is the most commonly produced type of rayon and was patented by Charles Frederick Cross, Edward John Bevan, and Clayton Beadle in 1894. Since viscose is soft to skin, lightweight, breathable, and lustrous, people often refer to it as artificial silk. Viscose is made with a solvent spun process that includes dissolving wood pulp into cellulose solution, metering through a spinneret, and dipping into acid bath. Its name comes the solution’s viscous nature during production. In general, manufactured cellulose fiber is less durable than synthetic fiber. However, the manufactured cellulose fiber has the potential to be engineered as a performance fiber depending on the application. Viscose is commonly used in the apparel industry. It is also often blended with synthetic fibers to increase the strength and keep the luxe feel for use as upholstery, wallcoverings, and carpet applications.
