Viscose is both a
semi-synthetic fabric, formerly called
viscose rayon, or
rayon and a solution of
cellulose xanthate. The latter is produced by treating
dissolving pulp with
aqueous sodium hydroxide and
carbon disulfide which is used to spin the viscose rayon fiber. Byproducts of the production process include sodium thiocarbonate,
sodium carbonate, and
sodium sulfide. Viscose rayon fiber is a soft fiber commonly used in dresses, linings, shirts, shorts, coats, jackets, and other outerwear. It is also used in industrial yarns (tyre cord), upholstery and carpets, and in the casting of
Cellophane.