Lyocell: what kind of fabric is it, properties, advantages and disadvantages

Thanks to the development of modern technologies, the impossible becomes possible. Scientists were able to create a new generation of fabric. Thanks to the use of high technologies from eucalyptus wood fiber, a very interesting and extraordinary fabric has turned out - lyocell. In an age of active consumption, alternative options for obtaining materials are becoming more and more popular.

Most often, a common man in the street 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 technologies is called "lyocell".

It is a fiber made from cellulose, which is obtained from the chemical processing of eucalyptus trees. Because of these features, the fabric can be considered completely safe. This is a fairly serious invention in the light industry over the past decades. The product was developed by scientists in the 80s. 20th century. The industrial production of the material began to develop actively in the late 90s. 20th century. In Russia and the USA, the material is used under different brands. In our country, lyocell has the name "orcel" and was created in the city of Mytishchi (Moscow region). The second name - "Tencel" - the product received in the USA.

Bedding made from this material is very popular. It is very expensive to obtain such raw materials from eucalyptus. This is due to the high cost of wood and the use of high technologies in production.However, in production, there is practically no need to use strong chemical components. Due to such production, the factories do not affect the ecological situation, and the fibers have a pure composition.

By its properties, lyocell is not inferior to cotton fabrics, and in a number of nuances - even better than them. Lyocell has high antimicrobial properties, which eucalyptus is famous for: the material is quite durable, does not cause an allergic reaction and is quite versatile. In addition to creating premium fabrics, filler is made from it.

Surprisingly, the production of the new material is completely environmentally friendly. Even conservationists were forced to admit that the production of this product is completely safe. The product has even been awarded a special environmental award established in Europe. The production of the material is based on natural production technologies. Quite a lot of money is spent for the production of this material. But at the same time, nature does not suffer at all. The material is completely harmless to children and adults.

The main stages of obtaining the material.

• The very first step is dissolution. This is done during the treatment of wood with water to obtain pulp.
• The next step is evaporation and mixing with an organic solvent. The entire composition is heated to +100 degrees, and then cooled in special containers.
• When the slurry has cooled, it is filtered and then melted.
• The product is stretched in the axial direction and a fiber is formed from it. Thus, the interconnection of molecules is destroyed and new ones appear, but with special crystallization.

Lyocell is formed from the fiber of the same name using several weaving variations on a loom. Its similarity to cotton, satin and silk depends on the characteristics of the raw material. The result is a very light, soft and silky fabric. It combines the best properties of natural and artificial raw materials, due to which it is popular all over the world.

The composition of the material depends on the manufacturer. This type of fabric can be sold in pure form or with an admixture of natural and artificial elements. In the form of additional raw materials, cotton, viscose, polyester, etc. can be used. Lyocell without additives is a very expensive product, therefore it is rarely sold in this form. Mixed material options are widespread:

• with the addition of elastane;
• with the addition of elastane and modal.

Through the use of modern technologies, scientists were able to produce a fabric similar in appearance to silk, and in strength - similar to satin. It also has the natural properties of cotton fabrics.

Key properties of lyocell:

• the fabric is very durable and does not tear even when wet;
• the fabric has high hygroscopic characteristics;
• the material can be used as part of medical bandages;
• due to its excellent characteristics, it is excellent for people who are allergic to synthetic materials;
• things made from this fabric can be worn even by children;
• the material does not attract dust, which contributes to an even greater use of lyocell in light industry;
• the material is good for air permeability - thanks to this property of the product, pillows, mattresses and blankets were made from it.

After creating the fabric, scientists wanted to replace the viscose materials used for tailoring with it. But soon, thanks to a detailed study of the characteristics of the tissue, it began to be used in many areas of human life. Currently, covers and blankets for vehicles made of lyocell are very popular. The fibers of the material are used in the manufacture of air duct filters. And due to its silkiness, they began to make items of underwear for women and bed linen from it. Due to the properties of the material, it can be used to make clothes for children, elegant dresses, as well as warm and durable sweaters.

The main advantages of this type of fabric:

• the material is very comfortable to wear;
• things made of such fabric have a high-quality and dignified look, they are perfectly worn for a long time;
• the material has a wide range of colors and does not lose brightness after many washes;
• the fabric is almost not wrinkled;
• lyocell perfectly retains its shape - the material does not roll into pellets with long wear;
• the fabric has antibacterial properties;
• the material is breathable, which makes you feel comfortable.

Lyocell filler has a number of undeniable advantages:

• prevents the formation of harmful microbes and mites;
• very light and warm;
• has high breathability;
• quickly restores its shape;
• no lumps form during use;
• has a long service life.

Experts say with confidence that this type of material is not harmful. Bed linen made of this fabric is recognized as one of the best. The product is recommended to all connoisseurs of natural, comfortable and environmentally friendly materials. This is a material that is highly breathable, has antimicrobial and anti-allergenic properties.

Initially, the material was created for the production and sewing of clothing. But due to the strong similarity to silk, manufacturers began to make bed linen from lyocell. Consumers have appreciated the excellent appearance and pleasant texture, as well as the good performance and hygiene characteristics of the material. Thanks to its special structure and hypoallergenic characteristics, Lyocell is an excellent filler for any pillow. You can often find a blanket filled with lyocell. Lyocell bed linen does not roll, promotes high-quality air exchange. To reduce the cost of eucalyptus filler, holofiber is often added to the composition.

Clothes for children and adults can be completely different. This is influenced by the characteristics of the material, which allows it to be smooth, shiny, fluffy and very soft or imitate suede and leather. Even with the use of additional additives, the fabric is strong and elastic. It perfectly fits the silhouette and drapes beautifully when using the most standard patterns.

Terry fabrics have wonderful softness and excellent moisture absorption. Clothes and bedding made from this material are very strong and durable. But they require proper and high-quality care.

The material is quite resistant to mechanical damage, but you should not over-test the product for strength. It is important to follow the simplest rules when washing, ironing, storage and wearing. Due to the observance of the rules of careful care, things made of this material can last a long time, keeping their appearance.

Basic rules for the care of lyocell products.

• The place where the product made of this fabric is stored must be dry. If the fabric is left in a damp place, mold will quickly form on its surface. This is due to the hygroscopic characteristics of the material.
• It is best to wash things made of such material by hand or in a typewriter, but with a delicate mode. It is necessary to wring out the products at minimum speed.
• The temperature for washing should not exceed 40 degrees.
• Dry products in an upright position or completely spread out on a horizontal surface. Avoid direct sunlight.
• It is not recommended to iron at maximum settings. It is possible to use the mode for ironing silk items.
• Pillows need to be ventilated and sun dried frequently.
• If the fabric is mixed, then it is necessary to adhere to the rules of caring for additional elements of the composition.

This product has all the advantages of natural and artificial fabrics. Many experts assure that things made from this material can be strong competitors to products made from natural ingredients. The material turns out to be very soft, elastic, with an excellent shine. It can be warm or light.

The main differences between Lyocell and other materials:

• has a soft surface;
• does not slip like silk;
• the material is more elastic and much more hygroscopic than cotton;
• has an increased moisture absorption criterion;
• when wet, it is 3 times stronger than viscose and cotton materials;
• has greater strength compared to the fibers of natural materials;
• lyocell allows more air to pass through and does not attract dust.

In general, based on consumer feedback, lyocell products are very popular. The material has high manufacturability, hypoallergenicity and environmental safety. These characteristics are fundamental to many mothers when choosing clothes and bedding for their children.

Many buyers note the high quality of the material and the retention of bright colors on bed linen even after many washes. Things made from this material are in great demand. They have a long service life and keep their shape perfectly even after washing. Simple cut dresses look very impressive and stylish due to the pleasant shine and shine of the fabric.

Of the shortcomings, many consumers noted the high price for products made from this material. Clothes made of lyocell should be carefully washed and ironed at gentle temperature conditions. The material is picky about storage conditions. It must be kept in a dry place, otherwise mold may develop from moisture.

For information on the properties of lyocell fabric, see the next video.