What Is Bamboo Fabric？
06 Feb 2024
You must have seen such clothing care tag writing: the material is 100% bamboo. What is bamboo? Well, from biology books we remember roughly what this plant looks like: long tubular trunks and few leaves. It's also kind of like something pandas eat, right? When we started in the oversized lingerie business, we first encountered bamboo lingerie from suppliers and didn't know what we were talking about either.
Bamboo is a herbaceous plant native to East Asia. In China, it symbolizes longevity. In the Philippines, bamboo crosses on plantations are considered a talisman that attracts happiness. In India, it is a symbol of friendship. Since bamboo has a very straight growth and fresh green color of shoots and leaves, in Japan it is the epitome of purity. Locals use it to make many kinds of products, including fabrics. Since bamboo grows very quickly, the raw material for making fabric is always available.
Bamboo is a relatively recent addition to the modern market. Bamboo is a plant that has unique qualities that allow it to be used in various fields. However, the most popular application of bamboo is in the textile industry. Bamboo fabrics have been used in the textile industry recently, but immediately earned the love of customers.
Bamboo is a textile with amazing properties. They are valued for their natural origin, environmental friendliness, and high consumer qualities. This fabric is an excellent material for the production of bed linen, blankets, pillows, and other textiles for the home. The fabric is natural, it is produced from bamboo plants, which makes the material environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic. Bamboo fabric is soft, and durable and has a unique texture that distinguishes it from other materials. In addition, it has inherent natural antimicrobial properties. This makes it even more in demand.
Many people are concerned about the composition of this material because in different sources its description differs - the cloth is attributed then to natural, then to artificial. To understand this issue, it is worth learning more about the production of bamboo fabric. Let's talk about bamboo fabrics - their composition and characteristics, areas of application, and care features.
Bamboo is a herbaceous plant native to East Asia. In China, it symbolizes longevity. In the Philippines, bamboo crosses on plantations are considered a talisman that attracts happiness. In India, it is a symbol of friendship. Since bamboo has a very straight growth and fresh green color of shoots and leaves, in Japan it is the epitome of purity. Locals use it to make many kinds of products, including fabrics. Since bamboo grows very quickly, the raw material for making fabric is always available.
Bamboo is a relatively recent addition to the modern market. Bamboo is a plant that has unique qualities that allow it to be used in various fields. However, the most popular application of bamboo is in the textile industry. Bamboo fabrics have been used in the textile industry recently, but immediately earned the love of customers.
Bamboo is a textile with amazing properties. They are valued for their natural origin, environmental friendliness, and high consumer qualities. This fabric is an excellent material for the production of bed linen, blankets, pillows, and other textiles for the home. The fabric is natural, it is produced from bamboo plants, which makes the material environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic. Bamboo fabric is soft, and durable and has a unique texture that distinguishes it from other materials. In addition, it has inherent natural antimicrobial properties. This makes it even more in demand.
Many people are concerned about the composition of this material because in different sources its description differs - the cloth is attributed then to natural, then to artificial. To understand this issue, it is worth learning more about the production of bamboo fabric. Let's talk about bamboo fabrics - their composition and characteristics, areas of application, and care features.
What Is Bamboo Fabric?
Bamboo fabric is made from fibers that are harvested from bamboo plants. And they are an innovative product. Such material is actively used by world-famous brands that create environmentally safe and modern clothing - Marks and Spencer, Levi's, H&M, and others.
Bamboo is a perennial evergreen crop. The unique feature of the plant is its growth rate: the stem grows 20-100 or more cm per day and reaches a height of about 30 meters. It is hardy, does not require complex care, or protection from pests, and grows on its own. The scale of yield is also impressive: 10 times more raw material is harvested from 1 hectare compared to cotton. Therefore, the plant belongs to the rapidly renewable natural resources. Bamboo is most widespread in East Asia. The inhabitants of this region were the first to use the plant for construction and household items.
In 1905, the first plant for the production of viscose was opened in Germany. This material became the ancestor of bamboo yarn. At that time, fibers for yarns were extracted artificially. which began to be produced from coniferous wood in the early twentieth century. A century later, this technology reached China, but as a raw material began to be used commonly in this country plant - bamboo. On an industrial scale bamboo fabric began to be produced in 2005, and to date China remains the largest country - exporter of this raw material.
Bamboo is a perennial evergreen crop. The unique feature of the plant is its growth rate: the stem grows 20-100 or more cm per day and reaches a height of about 30 meters. It is hardy, does not require complex care, or protection from pests, and grows on its own. The scale of yield is also impressive: 10 times more raw material is harvested from 1 hectare compared to cotton. Therefore, the plant belongs to the rapidly renewable natural resources. Bamboo is most widespread in East Asia. The inhabitants of this region were the first to use the plant for construction and household items.
In 1905, the first plant for the production of viscose was opened in Germany. This material became the ancestor of bamboo yarn. At that time, fibers for yarns were extracted artificially. which began to be produced from coniferous wood in the early twentieth century. A century later, this technology reached China, but as a raw material began to be used commonly in this country plant - bamboo. On an industrial scale bamboo fabric began to be produced in 2005, and to date China remains the largest country - exporter of this raw material.
What Different Types of Bamboo Fabric Are There?
Depending on the processing technology of raw materials, two types of bamboo fiber are distinguished.
During the production of one type of bamboo fabric, no chemicals are used. The material is called "bamboo flax". It has the natural properties of the plant: all impurities and disadvantages of viscose fiber in this case are absent. which allows you to preserve most of the properties of the plant. At the same time, the fiber also acquires new qualities - strength, uniform thickness, and length. In this form, it is ready for further use in the textile industry. The production process of bamboo linen is more complex and slower than bamboo viscose, so it is of higher quality and costs more.
Adhesive bamboo fabric is the second type of fiber. The technology of its manufacture is similar to the production of viscose. Pre-crushed bamboo is processed in an alkaline environment. Most often for these purposes, sodium and potassium solutions are used. As a result of this treatment, a glue-like substance is formed, which is passed through an acidic environment to harden and form threads. After rinsing with water and drying, the texture is ready.
During the production of one type of bamboo fabric, no chemicals are used. The material is called "bamboo flax". It has the natural properties of the plant: all impurities and disadvantages of viscose fiber in this case are absent. which allows you to preserve most of the properties of the plant. At the same time, the fiber also acquires new qualities - strength, uniform thickness, and length. In this form, it is ready for further use in the textile industry. The production process of bamboo linen is more complex and slower than bamboo viscose, so it is of higher quality and costs more.
Adhesive bamboo fabric is the second type of fiber. The technology of its manufacture is similar to the production of viscose. Pre-crushed bamboo is processed in an alkaline environment. Most often for these purposes, sodium and potassium solutions are used. As a result of this treatment, a glue-like substance is formed, which is passed through an acidic environment to harden and form threads. After rinsing with water and drying, the texture is ready.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bamboo Fabric
To learn more about this material, let's take a look at what advantages and disadvantages it has.
Bamboo fabric resembles viscose in its fineness and whiteness and has a higher strength.
In its softness is comparable to silk, and has a delicate soft matte sheen.
Its ability to absorb moisture is four times higher than that of cotton, and it dries quickly after getting wet.
Due to the special porosity of the fiber has good insulating properties. It protects the body from environmental temperature changes, keeping it cool in the heat and warm in the cold.
Bamboo fiber does not irritate the skin and does not cause allergies, so it is suitable even for sensitive skin babies.
Fabrics made of bamboo viscose with a thickness of only 200 - 400 nanometers retain UV radiation by almost 100%.
The properties of bamboo fiber allow it to be dyed in the brightest colors while using many times less dye.
Thanks to a natural antibacterial agent, bamboo fiber reduces inflammation on the skin, deodorizes, and prevents odors.
For all its advantages, bamboo fabric has several disadvantages that give it a special attitude...
When knitting with bamboo yarn, it must be remembered that it has similar properties to viscose, so the finished fabric can stretch both in length and width. Therefore, in the course of work, it is necessary to periodically carry out WTO (wet-heat treatment).
Carefully performed calculation of loops and selection of the thickness of the needles or hook (the thinner, the better) will avoid unpleasant surprises in the size of the finished product.
Thin and smooth bamboo fabric thread causes some discomfort when working with it and requires a certain amount of patience.
When choosing a model, you should take into account that the cloth of such yarn does not hold rigidly shape, allowing the product to comfortably fit the figure, so it is more suitable for flowing silhouettes without the use of voluminous patterns.
Smooth silky yarn is prone to strong tangling and can easily snag and stretch in the finished fabric. Neatness and the availability of quality tools will be useful in the work.
Due to good moisture absorption when wet, it loses strength, so it requires gentle hand washing. Dry in a straightened form on a horizontal surface. If the product is damaged after improper washing, it cannot be restored to its original appearance.....
Overall, bamboo fabric combines comfort, durability, antibacterial properties, and natural eco-friendliness. This makes it an attractive choice for those who value comfort and a healthy lifestyle.
Bamboo fabric resembles viscose in its fineness and whiteness and has a higher strength.
In its softness is comparable to silk, and has a delicate soft matte sheen.
Its ability to absorb moisture is four times higher than that of cotton, and it dries quickly after getting wet.
Due to the special porosity of the fiber has good insulating properties. It protects the body from environmental temperature changes, keeping it cool in the heat and warm in the cold.
Bamboo fiber does not irritate the skin and does not cause allergies, so it is suitable even for sensitive skin babies.
Fabrics made of bamboo viscose with a thickness of only 200 - 400 nanometers retain UV radiation by almost 100%.
The properties of bamboo fiber allow it to be dyed in the brightest colors while using many times less dye.
Thanks to a natural antibacterial agent, bamboo fiber reduces inflammation on the skin, deodorizes, and prevents odors.
For all its advantages, bamboo fabric has several disadvantages that give it a special attitude...
When knitting with bamboo yarn, it must be remembered that it has similar properties to viscose, so the finished fabric can stretch both in length and width. Therefore, in the course of work, it is necessary to periodically carry out WTO (wet-heat treatment).
Carefully performed calculation of loops and selection of the thickness of the needles or hook (the thinner, the better) will avoid unpleasant surprises in the size of the finished product.
Thin and smooth bamboo fabric thread causes some discomfort when working with it and requires a certain amount of patience.
When choosing a model, you should take into account that the cloth of such yarn does not hold rigidly shape, allowing the product to comfortably fit the figure, so it is more suitable for flowing silhouettes without the use of voluminous patterns.
Smooth silky yarn is prone to strong tangling and can easily snag and stretch in the finished fabric. Neatness and the availability of quality tools will be useful in the work.
Due to good moisture absorption when wet, it loses strength, so it requires gentle hand washing. Dry in a straightened form on a horizontal surface. If the product is damaged after improper washing, it cannot be restored to its original appearance.....
Overall, bamboo fabric combines comfort, durability, antibacterial properties, and natural eco-friendliness. This makes it an attractive choice for those who value comfort and a healthy lifestyle.
How Is Bamboo Fabric Made?
There are two methods of producing bamboo fabric from bamboo, each preceded by the grinding of bamboo.
Chemical processing - hydrolysis-alkalination. This method is not environmentally friendly but is the most commonly used due to the speed of fiber production. This process is similar to the way viscose is made from wood. The bamboo raw material is subjected to several chemical reactions to produce cellulose pulp. The pulp is pulled into filaments and passed through a filter. These fibers are used to make what is called bamboo viscose or bamboo rayon.
Mechanical processing. This method is more expensive, environmentally friendly, and rarer than the first one. It is similar to the technology of producing fibers from linen or hemp. Bamboo is treated with enzymes, which causes the stems to soften, and then they are combed out mechanically. As a result, the stems produce fairly long fibers, which are not as smooth in texture as in the case of bamboo fabric. These fibers are used to make a material called bamboo linen. It is considered to be more environmentally friendly, but it is expensive and less common on the market.
Chemical processing - hydrolysis-alkalination. This method is not environmentally friendly but is the most commonly used due to the speed of fiber production. This process is similar to the way viscose is made from wood. The bamboo raw material is subjected to several chemical reactions to produce cellulose pulp. The pulp is pulled into filaments and passed through a filter. These fibers are used to make what is called bamboo viscose or bamboo rayon.
Mechanical processing. This method is more expensive, environmentally friendly, and rarer than the first one. It is similar to the technology of producing fibers from linen or hemp. Bamboo is treated with enzymes, which causes the stems to soften, and then they are combed out mechanically. As a result, the stems produce fairly long fibers, which are not as smooth in texture as in the case of bamboo fabric. These fibers are used to make a material called bamboo linen. It is considered to be more environmentally friendly, but it is expensive and less common on the market.
How Is Bamboo Fabric Used?
Bamboo fabrics are used to make various products, and every year the scope of their use expands.
Bamboo is used as an eco-friendly filler for bedding - pillows and blankets. Products are thin, light, and suitable for all-season use.
Home clothes for adults and children: long sleeves, pants, T-shirts, shorts - basic things for everyday wear in any season. They keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
The emphasis on the home line is not made for nothing - the benefits of bamboo are important for rest and recovery after a day's work. At the same time, lightweight and practical products are very convenient for traveling, trips, and business trips, and can be integrated into sporty looks.
Sleepwear is the most popular category that can be made from bamboo fabric. It relieves fatigue, promotes healthy and sound sleep, and keeps clean and fresh.
Underwear and socks - hygienic products that give comfort, and quickly absorb moisture without accumulating odors.
Dense blended fabrics are used to make jackets and coats, and warm knitwear such as sweaters and cardigans.
Bamboo is used as an eco-friendly filler for bedding - pillows and blankets. Products are thin, light, and suitable for all-season use.
Home clothes for adults and children: long sleeves, pants, T-shirts, shorts - basic things for everyday wear in any season. They keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
The emphasis on the home line is not made for nothing - the benefits of bamboo are important for rest and recovery after a day's work. At the same time, lightweight and practical products are very convenient for traveling, trips, and business trips, and can be integrated into sporty looks.
Sleepwear is the most popular category that can be made from bamboo fabric. It relieves fatigue, promotes healthy and sound sleep, and keeps clean and fresh.
Underwear and socks - hygienic products that give comfort, and quickly absorb moisture without accumulating odors.
Dense blended fabrics are used to make jackets and coats, and warm knitwear such as sweaters and cardigans.
How to Care for Bamboo Fabric?
Bamboo fabric is quite durable and easy to care for, but still requires some care to maintain its properties. Here are some tips for caring for this fabric:
1. Follow washing instructions: Normally, it can be machine washed at temperatures up to 30 degrees Celsius. However, it is advisable to check the instructions on the label of each specific product to be sure of the correct washing mode.
2.Use mild detergent: For bamboo fabric, it is better to use mild detergent without bleaching ingredients or harsh chemicals. This will help to maintain the softness and tenderness of the fabric.
3. Avoid drying in the washing machine: Although this fabric is machine washable, it is recommended to avoid drying in the washing machine as it may cause shrinkage or warping of the products. It is best to air dry the bamboo fabric or on a flat surface.
4. Iron at low temperature: If ironing is required, use an iron with a low heat setting. It is also recommended to iron the fabric from the underside to avoid damaging its structure.
5. Store properly: Store the bamboo fabric in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight to avoid fading. It is also recommended to store it in a foldable state to avoid wrinkles.
By following these simple care tips, you can keep your bamboo fabric in good condition and extend its lifespan.
1. Follow washing instructions: Normally, it can be machine washed at temperatures up to 30 degrees Celsius. However, it is advisable to check the instructions on the label of each specific product to be sure of the correct washing mode.
2.Use mild detergent: For bamboo fabric, it is better to use mild detergent without bleaching ingredients or harsh chemicals. This will help to maintain the softness and tenderness of the fabric.
3. Avoid drying in the washing machine: Although this fabric is machine washable, it is recommended to avoid drying in the washing machine as it may cause shrinkage or warping of the products. It is best to air dry the bamboo fabric or on a flat surface.
4. Iron at low temperature: If ironing is required, use an iron with a low heat setting. It is also recommended to iron the fabric from the underside to avoid damaging its structure.
5. Store properly: Store the bamboo fabric in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight to avoid fading. It is also recommended to store it in a foldable state to avoid wrinkles.
By following these simple care tips, you can keep your bamboo fabric in good condition and extend its lifespan.
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