What Is Lyocell Fabric?

Thanks to the development of modern technology, the impossible is becoming possible. Scientists were able to create a new generation of fabric. A very interesting and extraordinary lyocell fabric has turned out thanks to the use of high technology from eucalyptus wood fiber. In the age of active consumption, alternative options for obtaining materials are becoming increasingly popular. Viscose is made from cellulose, which is wood! What can be more natural? Specialists in the light industry are constantly working to create matter with ideal qualities. One of the first such steps was the appearance of lyocell on the market. So what exactly is this lyocell fabric?

But science and the textile industry don't stand still, much to our delight. New samples are constantly being developed from synthetics with innovative properties and various natural raw materials. There is both an appeal to the origins and completely new methods. Lyocell fabric is called the material of the future. Beautiful, light, and soft fabric has a completely natural composition but is created artificially. This article will tell you about its unique properties and new technologies that allow it to replace cotton and silk.

Moreover, many people confuse cellulose fiber with synthetics. So, recently, my acquaintance confidently asserted that lyocell fabric is 100 percent polymer. I think it is worth revealing the secrets of this material and telling about its composition and features. So, lyocell fabric - what is this fabric?

Lyocell fabric is a fabric made from wood pulp. It is part of the viscose fabric family. You may also recognize the fabric by the brand name "Tencel ."The term "lyocell" actually refers more to the lyocell process. This unique technique uses chemicals to dissolve wood and extract cellulose without any significant change in the chemical composition of the substance. It is considered one of the most environmentally friendly synthetic fabrics. It is used in various applications, including commercial apparel and industrial applications.

Lyocell fabric is the common name for biodegradable man-made fibers derived from eucalyptus wood pulp through a special treatment. Despite lyocell fabric's unnatural origin, this material is considered environmentally friendly. Its raw material is natural wood. And when processing the pulp, organic means are used, which do not harm nature. The simple average person often divides the material into cotton and synthetics. Quite recently, a completely new matter has appeared, which was created through the use of high-tech techniques. The product of modern technology was called "lyocell fabric."

It is very difficult to determine whether it is a natural or synthetic fabric to the touch. Lyocell fabric is a new-generation fiber, which, by its tactile properties, resembles the highest quality cotton and sometimes even natural silk. But it's time to set the record straight: lyocell is an artificial fiber, but artificial does not mean synthetic. Artificial fibers are made by processing natural raw materials, while synthetic fibers are made entirely of chemical components. In the case of lyocell fabric, the raw material is eucalyptus wood, which has several valuable properties.

For a long period, scientists dreamed of creating an artificial fiber, which by its characteristics would not differ from natural fiber. At the end of XIX, the English company Courtaulds Fibres became one of the first to produce viscose fiber from cellulose. Despite the costly production method, high energy consumption, and use of harmful chemical components, the new material viscose quickly gained popularity. However, attempts to develop a safer and cheaper alternative did not stop. As a result of experiments, they created a type of viscose based on eucalyptus wood. For the first time, lyocell fabric was presented to the general public in 1991, and 6 years later, it began to be produced industrially

In 1988, specialists of the same company replaced the environmentally harmful sulfur carbon, which was used to dissolve cellulose, with an organic solvent. This made obtaining fiber, which in essence and chemical composition remained the same viscose, environmentally safe. And its production accelerated and became cheaper. At first, the fabric was used for sewing women's clothing. Today, lyocell fabric is also used to sew men's and children's clothes and make home textiles. It makes quite practical, beautiful, and high-quality bedding. And the colors of lyocell fabric and its appearance can satisfy the interests of any buyer.

Lyocell fabrics are artificially produced from recycled eucalyptus pulp. First, small pieces of harvested wood are milled into a wood pulp that retains the properties of the natural material. The pulp is then treated with an organic solvent (the NMMO process - N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide or Lyocell fabric process). This process does not practically change its chemical composition during fiber formation.

The resulting suspension is passed through a die - a device with many holes of the required size, resembling a sieve. The viscous solution is squeezed through these holes, forming many white fibers. After washing and drying, the formed yarns are compressed, cut, and spun into yarn to make woven fabric. When twisting the yarn strands, lyocell fabric is left pure or mixed with natural, synthetic, or artificial threads in one or another ratio.

The final processing of raw materials depends on the texture of the lyocell fabric, which can be smooth, shiny, reminiscent of leather, silk, or matte, velvety, like suede. In all cases, the lyocell fabric is very soft and pleasant to the body and touch. Colors and patterns are applied to the fabric mainly by sublimation printing. The paint penetrates the fibers when transferring the image to the textile using special ink and high temperature. The result is a durable color that does not fade when washing and does not fade.

Advantages of lyocell fabric:

1. Environmental sustainability: lyocell fabric is derived from natural cellulose, not petroleum products. It is biodegradable and more environmentally friendly in production than other man-made fibers.

2. Softness and comfort: lyocell fabric has a smooth and soft texture, which is pleasant to the touch and provides comfort when wearing clothes made of this fabric.

3. Absorbency and breathability: lyocell fabric can absorb moisture and wick it away from the skin, making it suitable for sportswear or summer clothing.

4. Antibacterial: lyocell fabric products have natural antibacterial properties that prevent the development of bacteria and odor.

5. Wrinkle Resistance: lyocell fabric is virtually wrinkle-free and retains shape even after prolonged wear or washing.

6. Hypoallergenic (the material does not irritate the skin even with daily use)

7. Pleasant appearance (things made of this lyocell fabric will incredibly transform any image)

8. Long service life (if you follow all the rules of care, products of lyocell fabric will last several years)

Disadvantages of lyocell fabric:

1. High cost: lyocell fabric is more expensive than other fabrics, such as cotton or polyester.

2. Mechanical sensitivity: If used or cared for improperly, Lyocell fabric may be more prone to abrasion and damage.

3. Stain Removal: lyocell fabric may be sensitive to stains and require more careful removal when washing.

4. Limited color selection: lyocell fabric cannot produce bright and vibrant colors, so color selection may be limited.

5. Possibility of shrinkage: In some cases, lyocell fabric may undergo shrinkage during washing or drying, so following the care instructions for products made from this fabric is recommended.

Originally, cloth was only used to sew clothes. Mostly women's clothes. Over time, thanks to such properties of the material as hypoallergenic, durability, and beautiful soft texture, the scope of its application has expanded considerably.

Filling for pillows and blankets
Airy soft fiber is used to stuff blankets and pillows. Elastic, light, voluminous filling from lyocell fabric is not deformed, does not clump, quickly restores the original shape, and does not electrify. Under such a blanket, it is warm but not hot. To reduce the cost of textile products, manufacturers sometimes use synthetic material chollofiber along with lyocell fibers.

Clothing
The main sphere of application of this fabric is, after all, sewing clothes. Pure lyocell fabric is mainly used to sew elite clothes. However, things made of this fabric are found at exhibitions of designer clothes and in the mass market. Breathable, moisture-absorbing fabric, which holds its shape and almost does not wrinkle, is even better than natural cotton for everyday dresses , summer and outdoor clothes, and shirts.

According to consumer reviews, blouses, tops , and dresses made of lyocell fabric are pleasantly cool in the heat and look beautiful. They are easy to care for. If you follow the recommendations, the products last a long time. Jeans and pants made of blended fabric with the addition of cotton are worn much longer than things made of pure cotton. They do not lose their shape and do not stretch. Elegant evening dresses are made of elastic soft fabric, which drapes well and fits the figure.

Bed linen
According to consumers, linens made of lyocell fabric in quality are not inferior to sets made of cotton. In addition, it does not tear for a long time and does not lose color after frequent use. It is pleasant to sleep on soft sheets.

Yarn for knitting
Lyocell fabric also produces delicate, soft, perfectly draping yarn for knitting. It makes great summer scarves, baktus, and tank tops.

Its raw material is eucalyptus wood, which grows and spreads rapidly without toxic fertilizers. In the production of lyocell fabric, safe technologies and components that practically do not pollute the atmosphere, water, and soil are used. Organic wood solvents, which do not create hazardous waste or release hazardous substances, can be reused.

Although Lyocell fabric has the advantage of using a natural wood pulp component, its process still utilizes chemicals and intensive energy consumption. Nevertheless, lyocell fabric is not a bad alternative for environmentally-conscious consumers. Unfortunately, lyocell garments are sometimes used as bait for greenwashing companies.