Which is the first man-made fiber, known for being produced from natural cellulosic materials?

The first man-made fiber produced from natural cellulosic materials is rayon. This fiber is derived from cellulose, which is extracted from plant materials such as wood pulp. Rayon was first artificially produced in the late 19th century and marked a significant advancement in fiber technology because it allowed for the creation of material that mimicked the properties of silk.

Nylon, while a significant synthetic fiber, is derived from petrochemicals and is not based on natural cellulose, making it an inappropriate choice for this question. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is also synthetic and is primarily used in applications beyond textiles. Acrylic, like nylon and PVC, is derived from petrochemical sources and does not originate from natural cellulosic materials. Therefore, rayon stands out as the correct answer for being the first man-made fiber that is produced from a natural source, highlighting the historical development of textile manufacturing from natural to synthetic fibers.