Artificial silk, often referred to as art silk, is a synthetic fiber that mimics the properties of natural silk but is produced using chemical processes. The term "artificial silk" can refer to several different materials that share a similar appearance and texture to natural silk, including:
Rayon: This is perhaps the most common form of artificial silk. Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from natural sources such as wood pulp. It is produced by dissolving cellulose to a viscous solution which is then extruded through spinnerets to form filaments. The resulting filaments are then solidified into fiber form. Rayon can be made to resemble silk in appearance and touch. Variations of Rayon include viscose rayon and lyocell (Tencel).
Polyester: Polyester can be textured to have the hand feel and drape of silk, but it is entirely synthetic, made from petrochemicals. It's commonly used in a variety of textiles because it is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and often less expensive than natural silk.
Acetate and Triacetate: Cellulose acetate fibers are also known as artificial silks and were first manufactured as a silk impersonator in the 1920s. These fibers are made by reacting purified cellulose with acetic anhydride and then extruding it.
: Nylon, a synthetic polymer, was originally developed as a silk substitute. When woven with a certain texture, it can give a sheen and feel somewhat like silk but is not as soft and has a slightly different drape.
