Lyocell

Lyocell is a regenerated cellulosic fiber. It is a manmade fiber but it shows both the properties of natural fiber and synthetic fiber. It will be clear when you will read the following physical and chemical properties of Lyocell. It is also known as Rayon, Modal, ‘Art Silk’ or Artificial Silk according to their manufacturing process. Rayon is also commonly known as viscose rayon. Though, viscose is a process to produce rayon. Regenerated fiber manufacturing process upgraded time to time. Below you get a short review of the transition stage.

·         Rayon [Ray (Sun) + On (Cotton)] 1^st gen. process. (or viscose process)

·         Modal [HWM Rayon] 2^nd gen. process (High Wet Modulus Rayon)

·         Lyocell [its Lenzing AG’s brand name “Tencel”] 3^rd gen. process.

Presently, lyocell has great demand on Textile Industry for its great properties. It is soft and firm like cotton. Lyocell more demanded to them who has sensitive skin. Now a day, lyocell produce from bamboo. If we know the properties of the viscose rayon then it will be helpful to follow the next process.

Physical Properties:

·         Tenacity: 2.4 – 3.2 gm/den

·         Density: 1.64 – 1.54 gm/cc

·         Elongation at break: 13%

·         Elasticity: Good

·         Moisture Regain (MR%): 11 – 13%

·         Melting point: This fiber becomes weak when it heated above 150^oc.

·         Ability to protest friction: Less

·         Color: White

·         Light reflection ability: Good but ultra violet ray damages the fiber.

·         Lusture: light to bright

Chemical Properties:

Acids: Viscose rayon is damaged by strong acids but it is moderate with weak acids.

Base: Good resistance to weak alkalis but strong alkali is harmful for viscose rayon.

Effect of bleaching: Strong oxidizing agents damage the viscose rayon fiber.

Organic solvent: Viscose rayon fiber has enough ability to protest the action of organic solvents.

Protection ability against mildew: Not good and mildew damages the rayon fiber.

Protection ability against insects: Viscose rayon is affected by insects and they cause harm to the                                                               fiber.

Dyes: Viscose rayon could be dye with direct, vat and sulphur dyes.