Today, many have heard of a cellulose fiber called Lyocell (lyocell). What is this product and how is it produced? Lyocell is a modern man-made fiber.
What is it made of?
It is made from the wood pulp of the eucalyptus plant. 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 a solvation process, which is of a physical nature, like the other stages of production: coagulation, molding and drying. All stages of production have virtually no waste.
It is clear that lyocell is a new generation product, a hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly fiber, the production of which does not harm nature and the environment.
A bit of history
In 1988, British scientists at Courtaulds Fibres, founded in 1794, first developed lyocell. What is fiberwould be in high demand due to its unique qualities, the firm understood immediately. And by 1992, she produced the first 18 thousand tons of this product. Consumers, as expected by Courtaulds Fibres, were satisfied with the properties of lyocell.
Demand for it increased, and already in 1999 its annual output amounted to 55 thousand tons, and the volume produced by other foreign companies reached from 129 to 134 thousand tons of lyocell material. Not everyone knows that this fiber can have other names - Lyocell by Lenzing, Tencel® and Orcel. These names are given by other commercial organizations. Lyocell by Lenzing was invented by Austrians from Lenzing AG, which in 2000 acquired lyocell production technology from Courtaulds Fibres, which ceased to exist at that time. In Russia, lyocell is produced under the trademark Orcel®, and in the USA it has been produced 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 made from it can seriously compete with products made from natural ingredients. Its fabrics are soft, elegant and slightly lustrous 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 stretchy, twice as hygroscopic and 30% more breathable thancotton;
- has the highest moisture absorption rate;
- Three times stronger than rayon and cotton when wet;
- more durable than natural fibres.
Where is lyocell filler used?
For pillows, blankets, quilted mattress covers, lyocell filler is ideal. That this fiber has unique properties was noted by the Austrian Federal Ministry for the Environment by awarding it a gold medal in 1998. It is used to produce quality bedding: pillows, blankets, mattress toppers.
Fluffy and soft lyocell, with unique characteristics, provides restorative sleep and comfortable rest. Due to the natural composition of the product, it is great for children. Lyocell filling meets all requirements for bedding: natural raw materials, hypoallergenic, moisture absorbent, breathable and easy to wash.
Lyocell based fabrics
Many manufacturers successfully use lyocell (fabric) when sewing children's and adult clothes, underwear, terry products, bed sets. 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's why luxury bedding manufacturers like to use them. Lyocell fabrics are very easy to care for. To keep the product beautiful for a long time: it is advisable to air it regularly, wash it by hand or in a typewriter at 40 ° C, it is better to iron it from 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, lightweight bedding, linen, clothes and other products that are pleasant and gentle when touched on the skin.
But besides this, they also provide hygiene and prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria due to their unique bactericidal properties. Preservation of the optimal moisture index at any temperature conditions of the environment is ensured by the lyocell fiber, which is free from pesticides. This natural pure material is combined with other components. Depending on the type of product, there are compositions of lyocell with elastane, cotton, modal and other fibers.
Properties of products based on the lyocell component:
- silky and soft;
- comfortable to wear and touch;
- characterized by bactericidal action;
- have a high level of strength both wet and dry;
- breathable and highly absorbent;
- have a high-end silk-like appearance with a noble soft sheen;
- do not roll;
- do not stretch - keep the size and proportions well;
- afterwashes retain their original appearance;
- does not wrinkle when worn, it is enough to have warm and humid air, for example, as in the bathroom, to smooth things out;
- colour perfectly, so deep and beautiful shades are obtained, the color is stable and does not shed;
- highly washable.
Benefits of lyocell-based pillows and blankets
It is significantly stronger than other natural or man-made fibers, so lyocell bedding will last a very long time. This property has been appreciated by producers and consumers.
Today on the market you can find a wide range of bedding of various types, colors, sizes. Therefore, it will not be 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. Benefits of lyocell pillows and duvets:
- long service life;
- do not wrinkle, do not deform and perfectly maintain their shape;
- due to the strength of the fiber when wet, it is washable;
- 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;
- duvets warm and light at the same time;
- The unique fiber structure makes lyocell blankets and pillows breathable (30% more than cotton) and hygroscopic (50% more than cotton products);
- soft and fluffy, which makes the rest comfortable and sleep full.
Conclusion
Today, the modern lyocell component is widely used in the production of various products. All consumers have already understood that this fiber has unique properties and a lot of positive qualities. The popularity of products based on it is growing, so analysts believe that fabrics and bedding made from lyocell can become serious competitors for similar products made from natural fibers.
