What is Lyocell: Composition and Naturalness of Eucalyptus Fiber Fabric

Modern technologies in the production of fabrics do not stand still. Quite recently, scientists have discovered a new fiber as a result of applying nanotechnology to eucalyptus wood. As a result of its processing, the newest material lyocell is obtained, which will eventually take the lead in the fabric market.

What is LYOCELL?

First of all, it is necessary to highlight the capabilities of lyocell, what kind of fabric it is, and also what are its advantages and features. People are used to dividing fabrics into natural and synthetic. And this is a completely new fiber made from cellulose obtained after processing wood raw materials with chemical reagents. As a result, the material is considered absolutely safe. After processing, cellulose does not change its properties, and production occurs without polluting nature.

Composition and properties

The creation of fibers is quite fast, which does not affect the excellent qualities of the material. Its characteristics are superior to cotton, it has hypoallergenic and antiseptic properties, inherited from eucalyptus wood.

It is important to study what properties are inherent in the material? Thanks to the latest technologies, the fabric has absorbed the best qualities of natural and synthetic fabrics. Therefore, the material and filler from it are considered the best in the world of textiles.

Main properties of lyocell fabric:

• Durability. It is stronger than cotton and viscose, it is impossible to tear even when wet.
• Hygroscopic. This is the best material for absorbing moisture.
• Hypoallergenic. The structure of the fabric does not allow dust to accumulate and bacteria to start in it.
• Breathable. The fabric and filling are breathable, even better than 30% cotton.

Fabric made from pure eucalyptus fibres is rare because it is very expensive. To make the product cheaper, they are combined with elastane and modal. The optimal option is to have a lyocell content of over 50%. This fibre can be diluted with natural raw materials (linen, cotton, silk) and artificial (polyester).

Manufacturing process

Lyocell production is based on natural technologies. Quite large sums are spent on it, but there is no threat to nature.

The main stages of fiber creation:

• Dissolution. Diluting wood with water to form a pulp.
• Evaporation and addition of organic solvent. The mixture is heated to 100 degrees and then cooled in open vats.
• Filtration. After the mixture has cooled, it is filtered, then the solid part is melted.
• Obtaining fiber. The melted product is pulled in the axial direction and fiber is obtained from it. Old molecules are destroyed, but new ones are formed with new crystallization.

The resulting fiber is woven on a loom using different weaving methods to produce a lightweight fabric with a soft, silky surface.

History of the creation of matter

The first samples of the fabric were obtained by English scientists, using the latest technology, in 1988. They immediately realized that its unusual properties would make it popular. In 1991, the material was presented to the public. Using the latest method of creation, after 6 years the fabric was already being produced on an industrial scale. There are only two companies in the world that produce lyocell: Tencel in America and Orcel in Russia.

Hygienic properties

Knowing what hygienic properties eucalyptus material has, you can solve most problems. It retains all the healing properties of the tree, which makes it indispensable for making home textiles. Bed linen has the following properties:

• The fabric is soft to the touch and resembles silk. It has the properties of cotton fabric.
• It has the property of not wrinkling or fading when washed.
• Does not slip on the surface, antistatic.
• It has high wear resistance,
• Absorbs sweat perfectly.
• The antiseptic properties of the fabric make it hygienically safe.

Scope of application: what is sewn from fabric

It is noteworthy that lyocell has a second name: tencel or tencel. But the second name is not popular. Under any circumstances, the material is used only in the following industries.

Cloth

The fabric is widely used in the light industry. At first, it was used to sew elite clothing for adults, and then they began to sew for children, because the material is safe. This is an excellent material for sewing summer assortment, since it cools the skin and fits the figure perfectly. The fabric does not wrinkle or fade, and it is not at all difficult to care for. It is stronger than denim, so it is used to make trousers. The product does not form pellets, and it is used to make ideal evening dresses and suits.

Bedding

Lyocell is similar in properties to cotton fabric, so bed linen is made from it. It lasts a long time, does not change its appearance, quality, and can withstand numerous washes. The fabric is soft and silky, slightly cools the skin and does not cause allergies. The price for such linen is high, not everyone can afford it, but mixed with silk or cotton it is quite affordable for the general population.

Lyocell filling in pillows and blankets

Lyocell fibers have a bactericidal and hypoallergenic effect, so they are used as a filler for pillows and blankets. These accessories retain their shape and elasticity for a long time, do not roll up and are well ventilated. Harmful microorganisms do not develop in lyocell blankets and pillows, which is good for allergy sufferers. Eucalyptus fiber filler is warm to the touch and has no harmful properties. To reduce product prices, eucalyptus fibers are diluted with holofiber.

High hygienic properties give the right to manufacture bandages. In industry, lyocell is used for covers for machines, conveyor belts and air-purifying filters.

Rules for the care of lyocell products

Having studied lyocell, what kind of material it is, it is necessary to determine the rules of how to care for it. The fabric is unpretentious and does not require special care. But it is necessary to observe some conditions:

• Machine wash, but on a delicate cycle and at up to 40 degrees.
• Spin laundry and clothes at the lowest speed.
• The products must be kept in a dry place.
• Dry in a gentle breeze.
• It is recommended to iron items at a temperature suitable for silk.
• Pillows and blankets should be systematically dried in the sun.

Fabric brands and prices

Lyocell fabric is patented by two brands: Tencel in America and Orcel, which is a Russian brand. Pure lyocell is produced in small quantities because it is very expensive. It is usually made in a mixture with other fibers - natural and artificial.

Before purchasing, you need to study what lyocell or tencel is in the fabric composition.

Advantages and disadvantages of matter

In the fabric market, the demand for lyocell is constantly growing. The material has many advantages in use and has virtually no disadvantages. The advantages include:

• The fabric is pleasant and comfortable to wear.
• Maintains an excellent appearance and glossy surface for a long time.
• Does not fade when washed, available in a wide range of colors.
• It stretches a little, hugging the figure perfectly.
• Keeps its shape for a long time of use.
• No pilling on the surface. Can be steamed with an iron.
• Does not accumulate pathogenic microflora and does not contribute to allergy attacks.

But the matter also has its disadvantages:

• High price.
• Shrinks slightly when washed.
• Increased hygroscopicity is not always welcome.

Reviews of unique cellulose

Not much time has passed since the industrial production of lyocell fabric, but it has acquired regular consumers. In their reviews, they indicate only positive comments. Of the negative ones - the high price of the products, not available to everyone.

• Olga, 37, Krasnodar: "I bought myself an evening dress made of a blended fabric, which contains 80% eucalyptus. I don't regret spending a large amount of money. I feel in it as if I were wearing natural cotton. It is especially pleasant in our hot climate, you practically don't sweat in it and it is very pleasant to the touch."
• Victor, 42, Norilsk: "A friend told me that there is a fabric that looks like new over time. I don't know what kind of material it is and whether such a thing exists. I dream of buying a shirt that never wears out. A friend has a turtleneck like this, he's been wearing it for years, and it still looks like new."
• Valentina, 28, Voronezh: “Recently my friends gave me a set of lyocell bed linen. I would never have bought such expensive linen myself. Although the fabric is considered artificial, it looks and feels like natural silk. The palette is gorgeous, I have washed it more than once and it has not faded at all, no pellets, easy to iron. I sleep like a queen, enjoying the pleasant envelopment of the fabric around my tired body.”

Lyocell is a new generation material. Its production is safe and does not harm the environment. The only problem is that 100% lyocell is incredibly expensive, which makes it inaccessible to people with average incomes. But mixed options are no worse and are quite affordable.