Properties of Lyocell Fabric

Cellulosic fibre has several desirable properties that make it a popular sustainable textile choice. It is soft like cotton but stronger and more durable. The fibers are very fine which makes fabrics made from lyocell feel smooth and silky against the skin. Some key properties of cellulosic fibre include:

- Absorbency: Cellulosic fibre is highly absorbent, similar to cotton. It takes in moisture well and wicks it away from the skin to keep the wearer dry and comfortable. This makes it suitable for clothing like underwear, socks, and activewear.

- Breathability: As an exceptionally breathable fabric, lyocell allows air to circulate, preventing overheating. It keeps skin cool and dry during physical activity or hot weather.

- Quick-Drying: Due to its absorbent and breathable nature, lyocell dries very quickly. Clothes made from lyocell can be machine dried on low heat without being damaged.

- Durability: Lyocell fibers are strong and resist stretching over time. Garments made from lyocell maintain their shape and last through many washes without pilling or losing color strength.

- Softness: The fabric has a soft, silky handfeel that is gentle against skin. It is comfortable to wear even directly against sensitive areas.

- Wrinkle Resistance: Lyocell has some capacity to resist wrinkles. Clothes made from lyocell typically require less ironing than cotton garments.

- Hypoallergenic: With no lint or static electricity issues, lyocell is unlikely to cause irritation or allergies. It does not harbor bacteria or odors like other materials can.

Fabric Production Lyocell Fabric

Lyocell Fabric environmental profile comes from its production process, which is more sustainable than traditional fabrics like cotton, polyester, and nylon. Here's a brief overview:

- Source Material: Lyocell is made from wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests. Most commonly, eucalyptus or birch trees are used.

- Dissolution: Wood chips are dissolved and broken down into a cellulose solution using a solvent called N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO).

- Spinning: The cellulose solution is extruded through spinnerets into forming fibers. The fibers harden as the NMMO solvent is extracted and recycled.

- Washing: Residual chemicals are washed away using a closed-loop system to purify and recover over 99% of the solvent.

- Drying: Lyocell fibers are then dried, cut to length, and baled for transport to textile manufacturers.

The process uses significantly less harsh chemicals than traditional rayon production. Nearly all the NMMO solvent is recovered and reused, minimizing environmental impacts. As a wood-based textile, it follows a renewable lifecycle.

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