Lyocell Fabric

Aug 22, 2022

By Birds of Fabriclore

What is Lyocell Fabric?

Lyocell is a type of semi-synthetic fabric made by mixing wood cellulose with synthetic materials.
Because it comes from plants, it is sometimes called a natural fiber, but in the textile industry, it is called a cellulosic fiber.
Fabrics made of lyocell and rayon are chemically equivalent since lyocell is a derivative of rayon. However, the manufacturing procedure for each kind of fiber is somewhat distinct from one another.
During the manufacturing process of rayon, an indirect solvent is used. On the other hand, the creation of lyocell utilizes a direct solvent. A process known as solvent spinning is used in the production of lyocell.
As a consequence, it does not significantly affect the cellulose molecule's chemical structure.
In contrast, rayon is made through a process called extrusion, which doesn't give the same results.

The American Enka Fibers factory in North Carolina is credited with the first development of Lyocell in the year 1972.
Even though the factory has been closed since 2003, their work was praised by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) in 2003.
They won the Henry E. Millson Award for Invention that was given out that year.
The fiber was known as Newcell in the early stages of its development in American Enka.
In the 1980s, Courtaulds Fibres in Coventry, which is in the United Kingdom, improved the fiber and started selling it as Tencel.
In 1991, the rayon facilities owned by Courtaulds in Alabama were the first places in the world to successfully market the lyocell technology.

Texture	As it goes through a unique processing step, the lyocell fabric has a more velvety and refined texture.
Breathable	It has moisture-wicking properties and is breathable.
Pilling	The fabric is much more resistant to pilling than cotton.

Clothing	Shirt, dresses, undergarments, etc.
Home Furnishing	Towel, curtains, bedsheets, etc.

It should only be cleaned by hand in cold water or put through the gentle cycle in the washing machine.
It is recommended to use a mild detergent.
Rather than using the dryer, hang it to dry.
Try to avoid ironing. In the event that it is necessary, however, use just a heated iron.