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Why is rayon classified as a regenerated cellulose fibre?

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man-made fibre Figure 1: Three common polymer structures. The linear, branched, and network architectures are represented (from top), respectively, by high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and phenol formaldehyde (PF). The chemical structure and molecular structure of highlighted regions are also shown.

Rayon is classified as a regenerated cellulose fibre because it is produced by taking naturally occurring cellulose—typically derived from wood pulp or cotton linters—and processing it into a liquid state so that it can be formed into new filaments.12

The manufacturing process involves the following steps:
* Dissolution: The purified cellulose is treated with chemicals to convert it into a liquid compound, such as cellulose xanthate.1
* Extrusion: This viscous solution is forced through a spinnerette, a device with tiny holes, to create jets of liquid.1
* Regeneration: As these jets emerge, they enter a chemical bath where they are reconverted back into solid cellulose filaments.1

Because the original cellulose polymer is radically altered, dissolved, and then "regenerated" into a practical, usable fibre, it is distinct from natural fibres like cotton or silk, which are used in a relatively unaltered state.12