- As one of the industry's major problems, the chemical
by-products of rayon have received much attention in these
environmentally conscious times. The most popular method of production,
the viscose method, generates undesirable water and air emissions. Of
particular concern is the emission of zinc and hydrogen sulfide.
At present, producers are trying a number of techniques to reduce
pollution. Some of the techniques being used are the recovery of zinc by
ion-exchange, crystallization, and the use of a more purified
cellulose. Also, the use of absorption and chemical scrubbing is proving
to be helpful in reducing undesirable emissions of gas.