What Are Some Characteristics?
Viscose has a higher dehumidification property than cotton. Under normal conditions, it can collect 11-14% of moisture and absorb water up to 80-120% due to its high moisture wicking feature. Viscose is very suitable for dyeing and printing due to its moisture absorption feature, which is much higher than cotton. It also makes colors appear brighter and more vibrant. In dry condition, its durability is lower than cotton. Its durability is at a very low rate when it is old. When wet, its durability decreases by 45-75% compared to when it's dry. Its stretching ability is 15-30%, twice as high as cotton.
Viscose fabrics are pleasant, elegant and comfortable. Due to the delicate and smooth spinning feature of the fiber, a soft touch is obtained in the product. It is comfortable to wear, not uncomfortable, slippery and compatible with the skin. It is used for fabrics that needs to be shiny, as well as for crepe fabrics and knits, to give a shine effect
How Viscose is Made?
Other types of rayon-like fabric require lignin-free cellulose as a starting material, but this type of fabric can be made using cellulose obtained from wood pulp. This rayon production method is much less expensive than many alternatives, and rayon made with this process can be produced on a large scale.
- First, cellulose is obtained. This cellulose is then dissolved in caustic soda producing a chemical reaction that converts the cellulose into alkaline cellulose.
- This process removes impurities from the cellulose and prepares it for the next step of the manufacturing process.
- The alkaline cellulose is then pressed between two rollers which removes the excess liquid. The white crumb is then aged by exposure to pure oxygen and then exposed to carbon disulfide to make a new substance called yellow crumb.
- After ripening, the yellow crumb is filtered and the gas bubbles are removed and filtered. Finally, the resulting material is soaked in a sulfuric acid bath, resulting in rayon filaments. The filaments are then spun, drawn and washed to produce a fabric that can be cut into the desired shape and size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Viscose Fabric Produced?
While most of the world's rayon is made in the United States and the United Kingdom, the production of this fabric has largely moved to overseas. Most rayon these days are made in countries like India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and China.
Is Viscose a Sustainable Fabric?
Since it is made using materials obtained from man grown plants, it is not polluting by nature. Cellulose itself is a natural material that can be naturally recycled through automated processes in the ecosystem. The recognition of viscose as a semi-synthetic fiber has led many consumers and business owners to view viscose as an equal to cotton in terms of sustainability and environmental impact.
Viscose Fabric or Cotton?
First of all, it can be said that the moisture and water absorbency and flexibility of viscose are higher. It also provides more favorable conditions for dyeing and printing than cotton. However, when the product is wet, it becomes less durable compared to cotton. The stitching is also generally comfortable.
Is It Healthy?
It can be said that it is a better type of fabric than cotton. This fabric has a non-perspiring and breathable structure compared to polyester fabric. It is among the natural fabrics.
The question of whether the fabric is sweat-resistant is also frequently encountered. Viscose fabric is a breathable fabric that absorbs water and moisture well. It is sweat-resistant and comfortable, it adapts to the skin.
This type of fabric has a wide variety of uses. It has a comfortable and slippery structure. The fiber of the fabric also provides a soft touch due to its smooth spinning feature. It is used very often in the field of ready-made clothing.