Question

The plant used for production of Viscose Rayon is

• A. Eucalyptus or Neelagiri
• B. Sandalwood
• C. Teak
• D. Maple

Hint:

• Viscose rayon is a regenerated cellulosic fiber.
• The primary source of cellulose for viscose rayon is wood pulp.
• Common trees used for wood pulp production for rayon include fast-growing species like eucalyptus, pine, spruce, and beech. Cotton linters (short fibers left on cottonseed) can also be used.
• Eucalyptus is a major source of pulp for rayon globally. "Neelagiri" is a local name for Eucalyptus.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

1. Understanding Viscose Rayon:

Viscose Rayon is a type of fabric made from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. It is a semi-synthetic fiber, which means it is derived from a natural substance (cellulose) but undergoes a chemical process to transform it into fiber form. Viscose is commonly used for clothing and textiles because it has qualities similar to silk, such as its softness and shine.

2. What is Cellulose?

Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate that makes up the structural components of plant cells. It is found in abundance in the cell walls of plants like trees, cotton, and bamboo. Since Viscose Rayon is made from cellulose, it requires a plant-based source to extract the cellulose.

3. How is Viscose Rayon Produced?

Viscose Rayon production begins with extracting cellulose from wood or plant fibers. The cellulose is chemically treated with sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) to convert it into a viscous solution, known as "viscose." This solution is then forced through tiny holes to form fibers, which are solidified by further chemical treatments and finally spun into yarn or thread.

4. Why is Eucalyptus Used?

Eucalyptus trees, specifically Eucalyptus or Neelagiri, are preferred for producing Viscose Rayon because they are rich in high-quality cellulose. Eucalyptus is fast-growing, and its wood contains a high concentration of cellulose, making it an ideal raw material for rayon production. It is also widely available in many parts of the world, making it a sustainable choice for large-scale production.

5. Other Plant Options:

While Eucalyptus is a common source, other plants like Sandalwood, Teak, and Maple are not typically used for Rayon production. These plants might have some cellulose, but they do not offer the same high-quality, easy-to-extract cellulose that Eucalyptus trees provide.

6. Final Answer

The Eucalyptus or Neelagiri plant is the primary source of cellulose for Viscose Rayon production. The properties of Eucalyptus trees (fast growth and high cellulose content) make them ideal for large-scale production.