Today, many have heard of cellulose fiber called Lyocell (lyocell). What is this product and how is it made? Lyocell is a modern fiber of artificial origin.
What are they made of?
It is made from wood pulp eucalyptus plants. It is based on the principle of solid-phase interaction of cellulose with N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide, which is considered an organic crystalline solvent. It does not form harmful substances and makes it possible to make the production process cheap and fast. The dissolution of cellulose in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide occurs as a result of the solvation process, which has a physical nature, like the other stages of production: coagulation, molding and drying. All stages of production have virtually no waste.
It is obvious that lyocell is a new generation product, hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly fiber, the production of which does not harm nature and the environment.
A bit of history
In 1988, English scientists at Courtaulds Fiber, founded in 1794, first developed lyocell. That this fiber will be in great demand due to its unique qualities, the company immediately realized. And by 1992, she had released the first 18 thousand tons of this product. Consumers, as suggested by Courtaulds Fiber, were pleased with the properties of lyocell.
Demand for it grew, and already in 1999 its annual output amounted to 55 thousand tons, and the volume released by other foreign companies reached from 129 to 134 thousand tons of lyocell material. That this fiber may also have names - Lyocell by Lenzing, Tencel® and Orcel - not everyone knows. These names are given by other commercial organizations. Lyocell by Lenzing was invented by the Austrians from the company Lenzing AG, which in 2000 acquired the production technology of lyocell from the company Courtaulds Fiber, which ceased to exist at that time. In Russia, lyocell is marketed under the brand name Orcel®, and in the USA it has been manufactured since 1993 under the name Tencel®.
Comparison of lyocell with other fibers
Lyocell has at the same time all the advantages of artificial and natural fibers. It is believed that products from it can seriously compete with products from natural components. Fabrics from it are soft, elegant and a little shine like silk, warm like wool, light like cotton. But, unlike other materials, lyocell fiber:
- has a softer surface than wool or cotton;
- does not slip like silk;
- more elastic, twice as hygroscopic and 30% better breathing than cotton;
- has the highest moisture absorption rate;
- when wet, three times stronger than viscose and stronger than cotton;
- more durable compared to natural fibers.
Where is lyocell filler used?
For pillows, blankets, quilted mattress coverings, lyocell filler is ideal. That this fiber has unique properties, the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Environment noted, having awarded it with a gold medal in 1998. It is used to produce high-quality bedding: pillows, blankets, mattress covers.
Fluffy and soft lyocell, possessing unique characteristics, provides restoring sleep and comfortable rest. Due to the natural composition of the product with it, they are great for children. Lyocell filler meets all the requirements for bedding: natural raw materials, hypoallergenic, moisture-absorbing, breathable and easy to wash.
Lyocell Fabrics
Many manufacturers have successfully used when sewing children's and adult clothes, underwear, terry products, and bedding sets of lyocells (fabric). What it is? Any buyer of this product will answer this question. The opinions of all are unanimous - lyocell fabrics are durable, pleasant to the touch and have a decent look.
That is why manufacturers of luxury bedding like to use them. Caring for lyocell tissue is very simple. In order for the product to remain beautiful for a long time: it is advisable to regularly ventilate it, wash it with your hands or in a machine at 40 ° C, iron it better on the wrong side.
Product Properties
Today, the lyocell component is widely used in the textile industry. Therefore, many are interested in the question: "Products based on lyocell fiber - what is it?" Customer reviews note that these are soft, light bedding, linens, clothes, and other products that are pleasant and gentle when you touch the skin.
But besides this, they also provide hygiene and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria due to unique bactericidal properties. Maintaining an optimal moisture index at any ambient temperature conditions ensures pesticide-free lyocell fiber. This natural pure material is combined with other components. Depending on the type of product, there are lyocell compositions with elastane, cotton, modal and other fibers.
Properties of products based on the lyocell component:
- silky and soft;
- comfortable to wear and when touched;
- characterized by bactericidal action;
- have a high level of strength both in the wet state and in the dry;
- allow air flow and absorb moisture well;
- have an elite appearance similar to natural silk, thanks to the noble soft shine;
- do not roll down;
- they do not stretch - they keep sizes and proportions well;
- after washing, they retain their original appearance;
- do not wrinkle when worn, the presence of warm and humid air, for example, like in the bathroom, is enough to smooth things;
- they are excellently painted, therefore deep and beautiful shades are obtained, the color is stable and does not fade;
- possess high resistance to the washing process.
Advantages of pillows and blankets based on lyocell filler
It is much stronger than other natural or artificial fibers, so Lyocell bedding will last a very long time. This property has been rated by manufacturers and consumers.
Today in the market you can find a wide assortment of bedding that is different in appearance, color, size. Therefore, it is not difficult for any buyer to choose a pillow or blanket according to the required parameters. Lyocell has another indisputable advantage - a chic appearance. It looks like wet silk with an ash tint. Advantages of pillows and blankets based on lyocell filler:
- long service life;
- they do not crumple, do not deform and remarkably maintain their shape;
- due to the strength of the fiber in the wet state, they tolerate washing well;
- eucalyptus, from which lyocell fibers are made, has natural antiseptic properties and prevents the growth of microorganisms, so dust mites do not start in bedding;
- due to the natural composition they have hypoallergenic properties and are suitable for children and allergy sufferers;
- blankets are warm and light at the same time;
- the unique fiber structure makes lyocell-based comforters and pillows breathable (30% more cotton) and hygroscopic (50% higher than cotton products);
- soft and fluffy, which makes the rest comfortable, and a full sleep.
Conclusion
Today, in the production of various products, the modern lyocell component is widely used. That this fiber has unique properties and a lot of positive qualities, all consumers have already understood. The popularity of products based on it is growing, so analysts believe that lyocell fabrics and bedding can become serious competitors to similar products from natural fibers.