Chemistry - Polymer Question with Solution | TestHub

Viscose rayon is a semi-synthetic polymer. It is obtained by the chemical treatment of natural cellulose, which is typically sourced from wood pulp.

The cellulose is first dissolved in an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide and then treated with carbon disulfide to form cellulose xanthate. This is further dissolved in dilute sodium hydroxide to form a viscous solution called viscose, which is then extruded into an acid bath to regenerate cellulose in the form of fine filaments known as viscose rayon.

Therefore, the starting material used to obtain viscose rayon is cellulose.

Answer: Cellulose