What Is Modal Fabric?
21 Nov 2023
100% modal fabric– what kind of fabric is it? This question arises among those who first encounter modern materials. Such interest is natural: over the past decades, there have been dozens of new, unfamiliar names. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase of a thing bedding, or underwear, you need to carefully study the characteristics of novelties. People often confuse synthetics and artificial fibers. But they have a completely different composition and, accordingly, properties! The first is derived from petroleum products and the second is made from natural raw materials. Modal fabric refers to artificial fabrics. Such a question arises in many buyers at the sight of the designation "Modal" on the label of goods. And most of them automatically, without thinking about it, attribute the unfamiliar material to the category of synthetics. This is a serious mistake that does not allow you to appreciate the excellent qualities of the proposed things.
Modal fabric is a unique, semi-synthetic fiber. It is synthetic, some would say. It is a type of silk , others will say. In this article, we will learn how and from what this material is produced, we will analyze its properties and main characteristics. Let's get acquainted with the types of models on composition and the method of weaving, and learn where this fabric is used. Many sewing people do not know all the fabrics and their properties, someone in general still sincerely considers viscose synthetic. I am not talking about ordinary consumers. About viscose in general I have already told earlier. And also about lyocell or tencel, as one of its types. Modern environmentally friendly fabric modal has found wide application in the light industry. It is used to sew underwear, clothing, home textiles, and bedding sets. I will tell you why it can not be attributed to synthetics, and what are its properties and advantages. I will tell you more about this material.
Modal fabric is a unique, semi-synthetic fiber. It is synthetic, some would say. It is a type of silk , others will say. In this article, we will learn how and from what this material is produced, we will analyze its properties and main characteristics. Let's get acquainted with the types of models on composition and the method of weaving, and learn where this fabric is used. Many sewing people do not know all the fabrics and their properties, someone in general still sincerely considers viscose synthetic. I am not talking about ordinary consumers. About viscose in general I have already told earlier. And also about lyocell or tencel, as one of its types. Modern environmentally friendly fabric modal has found wide application in the light industry. It is used to sew underwear, clothing, home textiles, and bedding sets. I will tell you why it can not be attributed to synthetics, and what are its properties and advantages. I will tell you more about this material.
How Is Modal Fabric Made?
What does "modal" mean? What is the fabric made of? The name of this fabric translates to "musical tonality". It consists of natural, 100% cellulose fiber. The technology of its production is similar to the production of viscose. In the '30s, the Japanese improved the scheme of making yarns from cellulose pulp known since the early twentieth century. The new fibers were given the name "polynosic", they were added to blended technical materials. Producing pure modal fabric for the light industry began only in the 50's. Thanks to its excellent performance properties, the fabric quickly won European consumers' sympathy. It was named "modal" in Austria.
In the manufacture of fiber, only environmentally friendly wood is used. It is processed without using toxic chemistry, chlorine, which makes the raw material safe. The thickness of fibers varies from 1 to 1.7 denier. 10 km of such yarn weighs only 1 gram, which makes the webs weightlessly light. The strength of fine yarns is impregnated with a special polymer solution. Viscose and modal have a similar manufacturing process, but the modal fabric is treated slightly differently to make it stronger, softer, and more resistant to shrinkage: its fibers are stretched even more, increasing molecular alignment. Modal fabric is more resistant to abrasion, mechanical effects, and shock loads. It is 1.5 times more hygroscopic than cotton. Modal fabric is also used to make blended yarns. Cotton, linen, wool, polyester, silk, and elastane are added, from 5% to 50% of the total mass.
Modal fabric starts with cellulose, a material found in plant cell walls that helps them stay rigid and upright. Most modal is derived from beech trees, which are harvested and pulverized before the cellulose is extracted from the pulp. This pulp is then treated with various chemicals before being turned into fibers and eventually yarn. Modal can also be added to other fabrics and it dyes well. Modal fabric is made from boiled wood chips, that is, pulp. To get the fabric, valuable species of wood with useful properties and high-quality wood are used: beech, pine, and eucalyptus. Cellulose is passed through high-strength perforated molds, which are called dies and dipped in a special composition. The result is thin, lightweight fibers with high strength. It can be said that it is an artificial material based on completely natural wood.
In the manufacture of fiber, only environmentally friendly wood is used. It is processed without using toxic chemistry, chlorine, which makes the raw material safe. The thickness of fibers varies from 1 to 1.7 denier. 10 km of such yarn weighs only 1 gram, which makes the webs weightlessly light. The strength of fine yarns is impregnated with a special polymer solution. Viscose and modal have a similar manufacturing process, but the modal fabric is treated slightly differently to make it stronger, softer, and more resistant to shrinkage: its fibers are stretched even more, increasing molecular alignment. Modal fabric is more resistant to abrasion, mechanical effects, and shock loads. It is 1.5 times more hygroscopic than cotton. Modal fabric is also used to make blended yarns. Cotton, linen, wool, polyester, silk, and elastane are added, from 5% to 50% of the total mass.
Modal fabric starts with cellulose, a material found in plant cell walls that helps them stay rigid and upright. Most modal is derived from beech trees, which are harvested and pulverized before the cellulose is extracted from the pulp. This pulp is then treated with various chemicals before being turned into fibers and eventually yarn. Modal can also be added to other fabrics and it dyes well. Modal fabric is made from boiled wood chips, that is, pulp. To get the fabric, valuable species of wood with useful properties and high-quality wood are used: beech, pine, and eucalyptus. Cellulose is passed through high-strength perforated molds, which are called dies and dipped in a special composition. The result is thin, lightweight fibers with high strength. It can be said that it is an artificial material based on completely natural wood.
Modal Fabric Pros and Cons
The main advantage of modal fabric is that it does not shrink with washing and does not deform when worn. Thanks to careful processing, this fiber is perfectly dyed, perfectly retains its shades, and remains invariably soft even after several washings. All products made of modal fabric are very easy to care for and do not require any additional treatments. The structure of the fibers repels any dirt, including lime and chemicals. Therefore, firstly, there is no question of any stiffness - the material remains pleasant to the touch, elastic, and soft even after a large number of washings. Secondly, the material does not accumulate allergens in its structure, which is extremely important for people with hypersensitive skin.
Artificial fibers treated with polymers have become a real discovery in the world of fashion. In terms of its characteristics, modal fabric resembles both cotton and cotton fabrics. Its pile texture looks stylish and luxurious. Soft matter is tactile and pleasant to the touch. At the same time, the density of the fabrics depends on the technology of weaving. It can be a light, woven or knitted, costume.
Other advantages distinguish modal fabric from other materials:
-Modal fabric is a kind of thin material. Thin material is very durable. It is slightly stretchy, it is difficult to tear;
- The modal fabric is breathable, and provides excellent ventilation, unlike pure synthetics;
- Fibers well absorb water, and sweat and quickly dry, providing comfort in the hot summer, when playing sports, and during sleep;
- Knitted and woven modal fabrics can be crumpled as you like - they do not leave folds or unsightly creases. They do not need to be carefully ironed;
- Products are of modal fabric perfectly draped, fitting the figure, and look like luxurious silk or velour;
- Hypoallergenic composition is suitable for small children, allergic people, people with sensitive skin prone to rashes;
- Things, home textiles made of modal fabric do not collect static electricity, have dirt- and dust-repellent properties;
- Even with intensive wear and frequent washing, no lint forms on the products;
- It is one of the lightest, weightless materials; cool modal fabric is ideal for light, summer outfits.
Disadvantages of modal fabric:
- When exposed to high temperatures, the structure of the modal fibers is destroyed. Such things quickly fall into disrepair;
- Modal fabric is more expensive than viscose and warms worse than cotton or wool.
- In some cases (extremely rare) contact with the skin causes an allergic reaction. Therefore, products that include modal fabric should be treated with caution by people who are prone to allergic reactions.
- The elastic properties of the modal fabric are retained somewhat worse than those of viscose.
- Production is relatively expensive, which affects the cost of products made of cloth.
Artificial fibers treated with polymers have become a real discovery in the world of fashion. In terms of its characteristics, modal fabric resembles both cotton and cotton fabrics. Its pile texture looks stylish and luxurious. Soft matter is tactile and pleasant to the touch. At the same time, the density of the fabrics depends on the technology of weaving. It can be a light, woven or knitted, costume.
Other advantages distinguish modal fabric from other materials:
-Modal fabric is a kind of thin material. Thin material is very durable. It is slightly stretchy, it is difficult to tear;
- The modal fabric is breathable, and provides excellent ventilation, unlike pure synthetics;
- Fibers well absorb water, and sweat and quickly dry, providing comfort in the hot summer, when playing sports, and during sleep;
- Knitted and woven modal fabrics can be crumpled as you like - they do not leave folds or unsightly creases. They do not need to be carefully ironed;
- Products are of modal fabric perfectly draped, fitting the figure, and look like luxurious silk or velour;
- Hypoallergenic composition is suitable for small children, allergic people, people with sensitive skin prone to rashes;
- Things, home textiles made of modal fabric do not collect static electricity, have dirt- and dust-repellent properties;
- Even with intensive wear and frequent washing, no lint forms on the products;
- It is one of the lightest, weightless materials; cool modal fabric is ideal for light, summer outfits.
Disadvantages of modal fabric:
- When exposed to high temperatures, the structure of the modal fibers is destroyed. Such things quickly fall into disrepair;
- Modal fabric is more expensive than viscose and warms worse than cotton or wool.
- In some cases (extremely rare) contact with the skin causes an allergic reaction. Therefore, products that include modal fabric should be treated with caution by people who are prone to allergic reactions.
- The elastic properties of the modal fabric are retained somewhat worse than those of viscose.
- Production is relatively expensive, which affects the cost of products made of cloth.
How Does Modal Impact the Environment?
The environmental impact of modal fabric depends on several factors, including the manufacturer, the source of the pulp for the pulp, the types of chemicals used to bleach the pulp, as well as how the effluent is treated and dispensed, and how the fabric is dyed.
Ultimately, modal fabric comes from plants that are of course biodegradable, but are also treated with chemicals and typically dyed as well, so the potentially toxic nature of some elements of the manufacturing process can affect the sustainability of the fabric's utilization. Lenzing uses a modal centrifugation process, which means that the pulp mixture is dyed before being converted into individual fibers. This method results in significantly less contamination than conventional dyeing, in which the finished yarn is dyed.
One study of the environmental impact of colored fabrics found that producing dyed modal fabric from cradle to gate uses 50% less energy and 60% less carbon dioxide emissions. It also requires only 50% water and has a significantly lower (40-60%) environmental impact compared to conventionally dyed fabrics.
In addition to protecting the environment, integrating centrifugation into the modal fabric production process has been proven to create sustainable value in the future. The production of modal fabric generally uses less water compared to a natural fabric such as cotton because it is made from beech trees, which require much less water than cotton. Other common sources of cellulose for fibers include bamboo and eucalyptus.
Ultimately, modal fabric comes from plants that are of course biodegradable, but are also treated with chemicals and typically dyed as well, so the potentially toxic nature of some elements of the manufacturing process can affect the sustainability of the fabric's utilization. Lenzing uses a modal centrifugation process, which means that the pulp mixture is dyed before being converted into individual fibers. This method results in significantly less contamination than conventional dyeing, in which the finished yarn is dyed.
One study of the environmental impact of colored fabrics found that producing dyed modal fabric from cradle to gate uses 50% less energy and 60% less carbon dioxide emissions. It also requires only 50% water and has a significantly lower (40-60%) environmental impact compared to conventionally dyed fabrics.
In addition to protecting the environment, integrating centrifugation into the modal fabric production process has been proven to create sustainable value in the future. The production of modal fabric generally uses less water compared to a natural fabric such as cotton because it is made from beech trees, which require much less water than cotton. Other common sources of cellulose for fibers include bamboo and eucalyptus.
Modal Care Guide: How Do You Care for Modal Clothes?
It is quite easy to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the fabric. However, when washing modal fabric garments, it is worth taking into account their cut, material composition, and other peculiarities. Therefore, it is recommended to read the labels on the clothes. In general, the fabric can be washed. But some products should be treated only with dry cleaning so that they retain their appearance longer.
General recommendations for the care of modal:
-Modal fabric may be washed by hand or on the machine at a low temperature (preferably up to +30 ° C, delicate washing mode).
-Wear, especially underwear made of micro modal fabric, should be turned out before washing. This reduces the likelihood that the fabric will lint.
-When washing by hand, it is recommended not to rub or twist modal clothing too much. It is allowed to machine spin at low speeds, but after that, products should be taken out and straightened.
- To bleach or lighten Modal fabrics, mix a solution of powdered oxygen bleach and water, following the instructions on the package, and allow the soiled garment to soak for at least two hours or overnight.
- Avoid using full-strength Chlorine Bleach because it may not only spoil the color but also weaken the modal fibers. Diluted solutions can be used to remove stains and bleach white Modal clothing. However, even diluted solutions of Chlorine Bleach will weaken the fibers, causing them to tear and wear out if used too often.
- When washing Modal Blends such as Silk-Modal or Wool -Modal, follow the Care Instructions for the finest fibers in the blend.
The ideal way to dry the garment is horizontally, on a towel that absorbs moisture. The item should be smoothed well with your hands. Clothing and textiles made of modal fabric remain smooth and soft after washing. With proper washing, they do not give shrinkage and do not shed. But if the washing conditions are violated, the product can lose its shape. Dry such things quite quickly. Store them better in a closed closet or a place where they will not fall in direct sunlight.
It is better to iron products from the wrong side of the iron mode "silk". When ironing "from the face" it is necessary to use a thin damp cloth between the iron and the modal fabric. Otherwise, you can get shiny iron stains on the item. It is a good idea to use a steamer. Bed linens can be not ironed at all - especially since in recent years, experts have been proving the usefulness of this method.
To remove stubborn stains on the clothing of modal fabric, follow the removal recommendations for the specific stain. Then rinse as directed. If the odor of sweat appears, soak the product for at least 30 minutes in a solution of cool water and 1 cup. baking soda, and then wash in the usual mode.
General recommendations for the care of modal:
-Modal fabric may be washed by hand or on the machine at a low temperature (preferably up to +30 ° C, delicate washing mode).
-Wear, especially underwear made of micro modal fabric, should be turned out before washing. This reduces the likelihood that the fabric will lint.
-When washing by hand, it is recommended not to rub or twist modal clothing too much. It is allowed to machine spin at low speeds, but after that, products should be taken out and straightened.
- To bleach or lighten Modal fabrics, mix a solution of powdered oxygen bleach and water, following the instructions on the package, and allow the soiled garment to soak for at least two hours or overnight.
- Avoid using full-strength Chlorine Bleach because it may not only spoil the color but also weaken the modal fibers. Diluted solutions can be used to remove stains and bleach white Modal clothing. However, even diluted solutions of Chlorine Bleach will weaken the fibers, causing them to tear and wear out if used too often.
- When washing Modal Blends such as Silk-Modal or Wool -Modal, follow the Care Instructions for the finest fibers in the blend.
The ideal way to dry the garment is horizontally, on a towel that absorbs moisture. The item should be smoothed well with your hands. Clothing and textiles made of modal fabric remain smooth and soft after washing. With proper washing, they do not give shrinkage and do not shed. But if the washing conditions are violated, the product can lose its shape. Dry such things quite quickly. Store them better in a closed closet or a place where they will not fall in direct sunlight.
It is better to iron products from the wrong side of the iron mode "silk". When ironing "from the face" it is necessary to use a thin damp cloth between the iron and the modal fabric. Otherwise, you can get shiny iron stains on the item. It is a good idea to use a steamer. Bed linens can be not ironed at all - especially since in recent years, experts have been proving the usefulness of this method.
To remove stubborn stains on the clothing of modal fabric, follow the removal recommendations for the specific stain. Then rinse as directed. If the odor of sweat appears, soak the product for at least 30 minutes in a solution of cool water and 1 cup. baking soda, and then wash in the usual mode.
previous post
