What is Lyocell Fabric ?

Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fabric that is made with wood cellulose and synthetic substances.
In some circles, it is called a natural fiber because of its plant-based composition, but it's officially regarded as a cellulosic fiber.
Lyocell fabric is a derivative of rayon and thus they are chemically identical. However, the production process for both fibers is slightly different. While an indirect solvent is used during the production process of rayon, a direct solvent is used for lyocell. Lyocell is created using a solvent spinning technique. Thus, it doesn't substantially alter the chemical structure of cellulose.
This is unlike rayon that is created using the extrusion method.

Blue lyocell fabric

Lyocell (wood - fiber )

History

Lyocell was first developed in 1972 at the American Enka fibers facility in North Carolina.
Although the facility is now defunct, their work was recognized by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) in 2003.
They were awarded the Henry E. Millson Award for Invention.
The fiber was called Newcell while undergoing development in American Enka.
In the 1980s, Courtaulds Fibres in Coventry, UK, would go on to further develop the fiber under the name Tencel.
The lyocell process was commercialized for the first time in 1991 at Courtaulds' rayon factories in Alabama .

Moisture-wicking and breathable .
Since it is primarily made from organic ingredients, this fabric is seen as a more sustainable alternative to fully synthetic fibers like polyester.
Gentle on the skin.
Unlike other rayons, lyocell's closed-loop production process means no chemical waste is released into the environment.
It can be blended with other fabrics like silk, wool, polyester, and cotton.
It is more resistant to pilling than cotton .