Off all of the fibers, viscose 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?

Viscose was the first manufactured fiber. The term viscose was officially adopted by the textile industry. Unlike most man-made fibers, viscose is not synthetic. It is made from wood pulp, a naturally-occuring, cellulose-based raw material. As a result, viscose's properties are more similar to those of natural cellulosic fibers, such as cotton or linen, than those ofthermoplastic, petroleum-based synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester.