A soluble complex of copper and ammonia used especially in the cuprammonium process for manufacturing rayon and cellophane.
From Latin 'cuprum' (copper) plus 'ammonium'. This term emerged in the late 19th century when chemists discovered how to dissolve cellulose in this solution.
The cuprammonium process is why some older rayon has that distinctive drape and sheen—it's also called viscose rayon, and understanding this chemistry helped fashion historians date vintage clothing and predict how old fabrics would age.
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