What Is Viscose Fabric?
15 Jan 2024
One of the most widespread fabrics in the world, which from season to season becomes only more popular - today, we will talk about viscose fabric. Affordable, versatile, very pleasant to the touch, and diverse in its embodiments, it has become a real find for those who prefer natural fabrics to synthetics. What is this material, when did it appear, and what did sewists and fashionistas like? Read on!
The choice of fabrics in the textile world is so wide that it is easy to get confused about the names and properties. Natural, artificial, and synthetic. Their descriptions are overflowing with the Internet. Particularly popular are fabrics created from artificial fibers. For example, viscose fabric. When fabrics are not labeled as "natural," consumers may be prejudiced against them, considering them synthetic. Viscose fabric is one of the most "misunderstood" fibers, man-made or natural. It is not a natural fiber at all. It has nothing to do with synthetics, either. Although, sometimes, viscose is called a natural synthetic.
Special attention is paid to the use of chemicals in the production of viscose fabric. Today, companies that produce viscose fabric and other man-made materials strive to ensure clean production that provides processes that do not affect the environment. With various unique characteristics, viscose is an ideal fiber that can be used in various applications. Due to this versatility, viscose materials are also used in the fashion industry, medicine, and everyday life. Before going into detail on the topic, "Viscose - what kind of fabric is it?", let's describe viscose fiber.
The choice of fabrics in the textile world is so wide that it is easy to get confused about the names and properties. Natural, artificial, and synthetic. Their descriptions are overflowing with the Internet. Particularly popular are fabrics created from artificial fibers. For example, viscose fabric. When fabrics are not labeled as "natural," consumers may be prejudiced against them, considering them synthetic. Viscose fabric is one of the most "misunderstood" fibers, man-made or natural. It is not a natural fiber at all. It has nothing to do with synthetics, either. Although, sometimes, viscose is called a natural synthetic.
Special attention is paid to the use of chemicals in the production of viscose fabric. Today, companies that produce viscose fabric and other man-made materials strive to ensure clean production that provides processes that do not affect the environment. With various unique characteristics, viscose is an ideal fiber that can be used in various applications. Due to this versatility, viscose materials are also used in the fashion industry, medicine, and everyday life. Before going into detail on the topic, "Viscose - what kind of fabric is it?", let's describe viscose fiber.
A Brief History of Viscose
The process of making viscose fabric is progressive and lasted almost 50 years. In 1892, viscose fiber technology was developed. Cellulose was first treated with sodium hydroxide, then with carbon sulfide. An aqueous cellulose solution was obtained, passed through a mold into an acid bath, where the polysaccharide was recovered as viscose fiber.
The first description of the production of viscose fabric was made in 1844 by the Englishman J. Mercer, and the first to patent the finished viscose fabric were English chemists C.F. Cross and E.D. Bevan in 1893.
The idea of obtaining fiber to create a fabric similar to silk hovered in the thoughts of many scientists for many years. Great minds fought over it but could not find the "magic material." The first shifts appeared in 1855 when George Audemars received a thread from a sticky mass: a mixture of tree bark and rubber. He slowly dipped a needle into the mixed solution. This method was very unproductive, and the technology required special skill and patience.
They also named the viscose fabric "viscous," since the raw material is a thick, viscose mass of processed wood pulp. It is worth noting that the Russian chemist D.I. Mendeleev expressed his respect for the new technology of obtaining raw materials and highly appreciated the merits of English scientists.
After 30 years, another method of producing viscose fabric was developed, but it failed miserably, as the fibers produced were easily inflammable. Only in 1891 did English chemists C. Cross, E. John, and C. Biddle achieve improvement in the production of artificial viscose fiber, and a year later, England began to produce viscose fabric. Later, the method was modified several times. In 1892, the British Kroes, Bevin, and Beadle told the world what viscose fabric is and how it is produced.
Of course, since 1893, the process of obtaining viscose fabric has changed, and the technology has been modernized in many ways. If we do not go deeper, it is possible to get viscose, describing four main stages: By crushing the wood into small chips and boiling it in an alkaline solution at high temperature, the basis is obtained; By squeezing the mass through the smallest holes in a special plate into a container with acid, threads are formed; Then follows the stage of finishing; The final stage is drying.
The first description of the production of viscose fabric was made in 1844 by the Englishman J. Mercer, and the first to patent the finished viscose fabric were English chemists C.F. Cross and E.D. Bevan in 1893.
The idea of obtaining fiber to create a fabric similar to silk hovered in the thoughts of many scientists for many years. Great minds fought over it but could not find the "magic material." The first shifts appeared in 1855 when George Audemars received a thread from a sticky mass: a mixture of tree bark and rubber. He slowly dipped a needle into the mixed solution. This method was very unproductive, and the technology required special skill and patience.
They also named the viscose fabric "viscous," since the raw material is a thick, viscose mass of processed wood pulp. It is worth noting that the Russian chemist D.I. Mendeleev expressed his respect for the new technology of obtaining raw materials and highly appreciated the merits of English scientists.
After 30 years, another method of producing viscose fabric was developed, but it failed miserably, as the fibers produced were easily inflammable. Only in 1891 did English chemists C. Cross, E. John, and C. Biddle achieve improvement in the production of artificial viscose fiber, and a year later, England began to produce viscose fabric. Later, the method was modified several times. In 1892, the British Kroes, Bevin, and Beadle told the world what viscose fabric is and how it is produced.
Of course, since 1893, the process of obtaining viscose fabric has changed, and the technology has been modernized in many ways. If we do not go deeper, it is possible to get viscose, describing four main stages: By crushing the wood into small chips and boiling it in an alkaline solution at high temperature, the basis is obtained; By squeezing the mass through the smallest holes in a special plate into a container with acid, threads are formed; Then follows the stage of finishing; The final stage is drying.
What Are the Characteristics of Viscose?
Viscose fabric products can range from summer dresses and blouses to home wear and accessories. It is popular in women's fashion due to its light and airy character, which gives tenderness and femininity to the image.
Viscose fibers are perfectly dyed, have high hygienic properties, and are distinguished by their enviable density. But the main distinguishing feature of this material is its attractive appearance.
It has a low density, which makes it a light and pleasant to the touch material. Viscose fabric is characterized by airiness and lightness, giving the image tenderness and femininity. Viscose fabric is ideal for creating light and airy outfits that emphasize femininity and add sophistication to the look.
In addition, viscose fabric has excellent draping properties. It submits well to the body's shape and allows you to create elegant silhouettes. Products made of viscose fabric can be varied not only in the form of dresses and blouses but also in the form of home clothes and accessories.
Viscose fibers are perfectly dyed, have high hygienic properties, and are distinguished by their enviable density. But the main distinguishing feature of this material is its attractive appearance.
It has a low density, which makes it a light and pleasant to the touch material. Viscose fabric is characterized by airiness and lightness, giving the image tenderness and femininity. Viscose fabric is ideal for creating light and airy outfits that emphasize femininity and add sophistication to the look.
In addition, viscose fabric has excellent draping properties. It submits well to the body's shape and allows you to create elegant silhouettes. Products made of viscose fabric can be varied not only in the form of dresses and blouses but also in the form of home clothes and accessories.
How Is Viscose Fabric Made?
You may be surprised, but viscose fiber is derived from... Wood! Yes, imagine. Lightweight floral dresses were once trees. Viscose is a man-made fabric, the fiber obtained from natural raw materials complexly. The wood is crushed, milled, and soaked, achieving a pulp.
The process of obtaining viscose fabric from wood pulp by "cold" technology was developed in the late XIX century. Production reached an industrial scale by the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays, the formula is used with minor modifications. It consists of the following steps:
1. A spinning solution is obtained from the cellulose.
2. Then filaments are formed from it by passing it through an acid solution.
3. The yarns then go through finishing and drying.
Finished viscose yarns absorb dyes well and are suitable for natural fibers. Different treatments can make the fabric look virtually indistinguishable from its natural counterparts - linen, cotton, silk, and wool.
The process of obtaining viscose fabric from wood pulp by "cold" technology was developed in the late XIX century. Production reached an industrial scale by the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays, the formula is used with minor modifications. It consists of the following steps:
1. A spinning solution is obtained from the cellulose.
2. Then filaments are formed from it by passing it through an acid solution.
3. The yarns then go through finishing and drying.
Finished viscose yarns absorb dyes well and are suitable for natural fibers. Different treatments can make the fabric look virtually indistinguishable from its natural counterparts - linen, cotton, silk, and wool.
Pros and Cons of Viscose Fabric
One of the main advantages of viscose is that it is soft and pleasant to the touch material. However, like any material, viscose fabric also has its disadvantages. The pros of viscose include its ability to absorb moisture well, making it comfortable to wear in hot weather. It also has excellent breathability properties, allowing the skin to breathe. In addition, viscose fabric has excellent draping properties, which allows you to create graceful and elegant garments.
However, viscose fabric also has some disadvantages. It is prone to shrinkage and deformation after washing, requiring special care. In addition, viscose products can easily get dirty and lose their original shape if used and stored incorrectly. The fabric is prone to wrinkling and can lose shape after washing or prolonged use.
In addition, viscose fabric can lose shape after prolonged use or repeated washings. Therefore, avoiding wearing viscose products for long periods and avoiding frequent washing is advisable. If the product loses shape, you can try to regain it with the help of ironing or steam.
It should be noted that viscose is a synthetic fiber derived from natural raw materials. This means that chemical reagents are used during the production process of viscose fabric, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
Some aggressive substances, such as chlorine, can also affect viscose fabric, which can cause stains and fabric deformation. Therefore, it is recommended to follow certain rules when caring for viscose products to maintain their pristine appearance.
However, viscose fabric also has some disadvantages. It is prone to shrinkage and deformation after washing, requiring special care. In addition, viscose products can easily get dirty and lose their original shape if used and stored incorrectly. The fabric is prone to wrinkling and can lose shape after washing or prolonged use.
In addition, viscose fabric can lose shape after prolonged use or repeated washings. Therefore, avoiding wearing viscose products for long periods and avoiding frequent washing is advisable. If the product loses shape, you can try to regain it with the help of ironing or steam.
It should be noted that viscose is a synthetic fiber derived from natural raw materials. This means that chemical reagents are used during the production process of viscose fabric, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
Some aggressive substances, such as chlorine, can also affect viscose fabric, which can cause stains and fabric deformation. Therefore, it is recommended to follow certain rules when caring for viscose products to maintain their pristine appearance.
How to Care for Your Viscose Fabric?
To preserve their beauty and attractiveness, it is necessary to follow several rules and recommendations. First of all, it is worth noting that it is recommended to use a delicate mode for washing products of viscose fabric. This is due to the fact that this fabric is quite delicate and requires a gentle attitude. Delicate mode allows you to avoid the possibility of damage to the fabric and preserve its original appearance.
Products made of this viscose fabric require a gentle attitude and careful care. The best option for washing is hand washing with gentle detergents. You can also wash in the machine, but only in delicate mode and without spinning; otherwise, you can get an overstretched thing, which will quickly be covered with lint. To avoid damaging the product, it is better not to spin it. Or you can, at the end of washing, wrap it with a towel to remove excess moisture and then dry it horizontally.
Viscose fabric is a fairly universal material used in the manufacture of a variety of products. It is worth remembering the peculiarities of caring for it and always studying the label on the product before washing it; the thing will last a long time and look great.
In addition, when ironing products of viscose fabric, it is necessary to set a low temperature. High temperatures can lead to the fabric's deformation and unpleasant marks on the product's surface. Therefore, using an iron with a temperature control function and choosing the lowest possible temperature is recommended. Iron made of viscose fabric should be switched to the "silk" mode without steaming.
An important point in caring for viscose fabric products is to avoid drying them in a washing machine. The fact is that this method of drying can lead to a strong mechanical impact on the fabric, which can lead to its deformation and loss of original properties. Therefore, it is recommended to prefer natural drying in the air.
In addition, to avoid wrinkles on products of viscose fabric, it is recommended to store them hanging. This avoids wrinkling of the fabric and keeps it smooth and attractive. For this purpose, you can use special hangers with hangers, which will help keep the product's shape.
Following these recommendations and rules, you can guarantee a long service life and attractiveness of viscose products. A careful attitude and proper care will preserve its quality and appearance for a long time.
In conclusion, viscose fabric is a unique fabric that combines the advantages of natural and synthetic materials. It has its history, different types, and properties. Products made of viscose fabric are popular in women's fashion but require careful care. It is important to choose quality products and follow care recommendations so that they serve for a long time and remain beautiful. Its semi-synthetic origin allows combining the advantages of natural and synthetic materials, making it a popular choice for creating fashionable and comfortable women's outfits.
Products made of this viscose fabric require a gentle attitude and careful care. The best option for washing is hand washing with gentle detergents. You can also wash in the machine, but only in delicate mode and without spinning; otherwise, you can get an overstretched thing, which will quickly be covered with lint. To avoid damaging the product, it is better not to spin it. Or you can, at the end of washing, wrap it with a towel to remove excess moisture and then dry it horizontally.
Viscose fabric is a fairly universal material used in the manufacture of a variety of products. It is worth remembering the peculiarities of caring for it and always studying the label on the product before washing it; the thing will last a long time and look great.
In addition, when ironing products of viscose fabric, it is necessary to set a low temperature. High temperatures can lead to the fabric's deformation and unpleasant marks on the product's surface. Therefore, using an iron with a temperature control function and choosing the lowest possible temperature is recommended. Iron made of viscose fabric should be switched to the "silk" mode without steaming.
An important point in caring for viscose fabric products is to avoid drying them in a washing machine. The fact is that this method of drying can lead to a strong mechanical impact on the fabric, which can lead to its deformation and loss of original properties. Therefore, it is recommended to prefer natural drying in the air.
In addition, to avoid wrinkles on products of viscose fabric, it is recommended to store them hanging. This avoids wrinkling of the fabric and keeps it smooth and attractive. For this purpose, you can use special hangers with hangers, which will help keep the product's shape.
Following these recommendations and rules, you can guarantee a long service life and attractiveness of viscose products. A careful attitude and proper care will preserve its quality and appearance for a long time.
In conclusion, viscose fabric is a unique fabric that combines the advantages of natural and synthetic materials. It has its history, different types, and properties. Products made of viscose fabric are popular in women's fashion but require careful care. It is important to choose quality products and follow care recommendations so that they serve for a long time and remain beautiful. Its semi-synthetic origin allows combining the advantages of natural and synthetic materials, making it a popular choice for creating fashionable and comfortable women's outfits.
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