Viscose is an artificial fiber. Viscose fabric: what is it? Composition, photos, types and properties of fabric

Until the beginning of the last century, only natural fabric was used for clothing, for which fibers of plant or animal origin were used. For several centuries, attempts were made to find a replacement for them, and some success in this area was achieved at the end of the 19th century. The first patent for fiber obtained from processed cellulose was issued in 1884 to the Frenchman Guillier de Chardonnay, and the first rayon fabric was obtained in England in 1893.

Since then, artificial fibers have been extremely widely used. Although the raw material for their production is still cellulose, the properties of the fabric obtained from such raw materials, as well as its appearance and purpose, can be very diverse.

Preparation and varieties

In order to understand what viscose is, what kind of fabric is produced on its basis and what its characteristics may be, you need to understand that it is a fairly large mass of artificial materials. Unlike natural fibers, directly obtained from animals or plants, or synthetic materials, which are obtained by synthesizing oil and gas products, the composition of viscose is cellulose, treated with one or another type of solvent, and formed into threads or film (cellophane) .

This material got its name, which comes from the Latin word for “sticky,” because of the viscosity of the substance from which its fibers are formed. The most common method is to dissolve crushed wood or cotton floss with caustic soda, as a result of which you can obtain both thin shiny threads reminiscent of silk and fluffy fiber with a woolen texture. Regardless of the method of obtaining the cellulose solution, the production of viscose is carried out in the following sequence:

• cleaning, grinding and pre-processing of raw materials;
• dissolving and removing excess liquid;
• pressing viscose mass through dies and forming fibers;
• their subsequent processing (drying, pressing, bleaching, painting, etc.).

The resulting threads can be textile, technical or staple.

1. Various fabrics and viscose knitwear are made from thin and not particularly strong textile fibers, and they are also used as an additive to other fibers when creating mixed fabrics.
2. Larger and stronger technical threads are used for the manufacture of cord materials.
3. A special category is staple fiber, which is short in length. Staple fabrics, artificial fur, and non-woven materials are made from it.
4. Recently, viscose for felting has been in great demand, as it is particularly soft and easy to work with.

Artificial fabrics can be classified according to the characteristics of their production, methods of fiber processing, and the composition of the raw materials. Among the many varieties of artificial materials, the following can be distinguished:

• acetate (triacetate) silk, which is shiny, wrinkles little and is quite dimensional stable;
• tzelvolle - staple fiber, with a structure reminiscent of wool, used as a substitute;
• cupra is an elite fabric based on copper-ammonia fibers, the properties of which are close to natural silk;
• modal - improved viscose based on eucalyptus, pine or beech, refers to environmentally friendly materials;
• tencel (lyocell) - fabric made from eucalyptus cellulose, processed using innovative technologies, is durable and has antiseptic properties;
• Siblon - improved viscose based on coniferous wood;
• polynose materials - viscose materials with a uniform fiber structure, characterized by increased strength and elasticity;
• bamboo is a material based on bamboo cellulose, which in its properties is most similar to natural cotton; cellulose mass for it is often obtained without the use of strong chemicals by mechanical crushing and natural fermentation (the so-called bamboo flax).

Properties of artificial materials

Viscose fabrics can resemble any natural material, from the finest silk to fur; moreover, they are very hygienic, pleasant to the touch, do not cause skin irritation, and are able to regulate temperature at the surface of the body, unlike most types of synthetics. The main advantages of all types of viscose are:

• softness and pleasant tactile sensations;
• high hygroscopicity;
• breathability;
• "warming" properties;
• color fastness;
• variety of textures;
• lack of electrification;
• low price (for most varieties);
• ease of disposal.

However, this material also has significant disadvantages. First of all, it is not very durable and not durable when wet, and quickly loses its appearance when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. All artificial materials wrinkle heavily and are highly flammable. It should also be noted that positive properties often turn into disadvantages: for example, good hygroscopicity leads to unwanted absorption of moisture, and some types of such fabrics, for example, bamboo, can become moldy in a humid atmosphere. Excessive softness leads to the fact that these products do not hold their shape well, and without special treatment folds and gathers cannot be created on them.

It is difficult to give a definite answer to the question of whether viscose shrinks. Fabrics produced using traditional technology can shrink significantly. Modernized materials are produced with special treatment, which prevents shrinkage and makes the fabric dimensional stable. It is also difficult to answer whether viscose stretches or not. Knitted, viscose knitwear is very elastic, and in order for woven fabrics to acquire stretching properties, elastane must be added to them. Thus, in order to avoid undesirable characteristics of clothing, you need to carefully study the composition of the fabric before purchasing. Most often, the viscose content does not exceed 30%, in which case its undesirable properties practically do not appear.

Application and care

Most buyers are not aware that artificial materials are widely used as packaging, in the production of artificial leather and technical fabrics. It should be noted that both clothing made from pure viscose and viscose knitwear are now much less common than half a century ago. This material is mainly used in mass Indian textiles; it is often used as a lining for inexpensive accessories. This does not apply to such modern materials as bamboo, modal, tencel, etc. They are often used for sewing a variety of clothes, linen, and bedding sets. The absorbent properties of viscose fabric make it very popular in the production of towels, bath accessories, and cleaning accessories.

When purchasing a product made from artificial fibers, you need to carefully read the care instructions indicated on the label. If such a description is missing, then the general rules on how to wash viscose are as follows:

• washing - only manual or gentle mode at a temperature of 30 degrees;
• neutral detergents without bleaches;
• spinning is done at low speeds; when washing by hand, lightly squeeze out the water without twisting or roll it in a towel;
• products, especially viscose knitwear, are dried in a horizontal position away from sunlight and heat sources;
• ironing is carried out in the “Silk” mode, without steaming or splashing with water.

Chemist and engineer Hilaire de Chardonnay was the first to figure out how to turn wood into textile fibers. This is how viscose was born in the 19th century. The invention was so successful that hundreds of years later this fabric is still popular. Depending on the production technology, it can look very different. Viscose is used to sew clothes and home textiles, make cellophane and make boots. In the textile industry, viscose fibers are used to weave fabrics resembling silk, wool, cotton or linen.

Characteristics and properties

The industry produces several types of viscose fibers:

• technical;
• textile;
• staple.

The properties of such seemingly dissimilar textile and staple viscose fibers are largely similar. Viscose is an artificial fabric, but not synthetic. What is this material made of? In the production of the material, natural raw materials are used - wood cellulose. This affected the properties of the material. Sometimes the fabric is called natural synthetics.

The physical and mechanical properties of viscose depend on the method of fiber formation. The fabric can be shiny or matte, thick or light, textured or smooth. Pure viscose is similar to silk: it is translucent and shiny. They get rid of shine by introducing special matting substances.

Advantages of the material:

• The fabric is soft and pleasant to the touch, warm in winter and cool in summer
• The fabric drapes well.
• Viscose does not accumulate static electricity.
• The fibers are easily dyed in any bright colors. Dyeing technology involves introducing dye directly into the fibers.
• Properly dyed fabric does not fade.
• Viscose is lighter than cotton.
• Compared to cotton, viscose absorbs moisture twice as much.
• Dry fabric has high strength.
• The fabric does not require special disposal.
• Does not cause allergies.
• Has high hygienic properties.

The disadvantages include some difficulties in caring for the fabric, especially high creasing. Another unpleasant point is that viscose can shrink, pill and become deformed during washing. The descriptions also note the wear and tear of the fabric under the influence of water, high temperature, and ultraviolet radiation. Especially if these factors act simultaneously. Therefore, even at the stage of fiber production, chemical antioxidants and ultraviolet filters are introduced into them.

Kinds

Viscose fiber is produced colorless or dyed in the mass. The most popular types of viscose in light industry resemble natural fabrics.

Comparison with other fabrics

The plant fibers in viscose fabric made it look like cotton. Which one is better? Viscose also absorbs moisture well, is pleasant to the touch and breathable. These fabrics are sometimes confused. They are really very similar. However, viscose is a less durable fabric and wears out faster. While cotton is a very strong fabric even when wet, viscose becomes vulnerable in water. But if you take into account the low price, then this drawback can be considered insignificant.

In the sun, viscose may develop spots of a different, unusual color. This is how it can react to the action of ultraviolet radiation. Modern fabric manufacturers have learned to deal with these troubles. Viscose undergoes a special treatment that increases its strength. The use of staple fibers also has a positive effect on the quality of the fabric.

Viscose is a man-made fiber and is sometimes compared to polyester. But these are completely different fabrics. The natural raw material of viscose makes the material, in some respects, equal to natural fabrics. If you have a choice between polyester and viscose, viscose will be the winner. It is hygroscopic and breathable, which cannot be said about polyester.

Prices

The cost of fabric depends on its composition, density, manufacturer, and variety. Viscose production is developing in the world. During Soviet times, Russia produced viscose in many factories. Then this direction stopped developing. Almost all the viscose on our shelves is imported. The main supplier of raw materials for the production of viscose is China. He is also the largest fabric manufacturer. This industry is actively developing in Uzbekistan.

However, fabrics from domestic manufacturers are also appearing on the market. They mainly produce viscose lining fabrics. The price of 1 meter of such lining twill is 250 rubles. viscose lining from Italy is more expensive. Its price is about 700–900 rubles. per meter

A meter of fine viscose knitwear can be bought for 700–900 rubles. Dense material will cost more. Printed viscose made in China will cost 500–700 rubles. per meter with a width of 1.45 m. Crepe viscose from the same manufacturer is in the same range.

In the segment of more noble viscose fabrics, prices start from several thousand and end in tens of thousands per linear meter. The width of viscose is usually in the range of 1.40–1.50 m.

Viscose is an artificial fabric (not to be confused with synthetic) that was first manufactured by Ilie de Chardon in 1884 in France. This material is a product of wood pulp processing. Crushed sawdust of various types of wood is chemically treated and subjected to high pressure and temperature. As a result, threads are formed from the treated substance by pressing through a plate with small holes, and finally these threads are dried. High-quality pure viscose can be confused with silk.

Positive properties:

• soft and gentle to the touch;
• durable and lightweight;
• absorbs moisture well and also allows air to pass through well;
• picks up paint easily and does not fade;
• does not cause allergic reactions, does not irritate the skin;
• not prone to accumulation of static electricity;
• environmentally friendly;
• hygienic (it’s not for nothing that workwear for medical staff is often made from viscose);
• has a thermoregulatory property (in winter, viscose can warm you up, but in summer it is not hot).

Despite all the positive qualities, viscose material also has negative properties. The fabric wrinkles easily, becomes deformed when washed, and pilling is possible. Viscose tends to wear out when exposed to hot water and ultraviolet rays.

Based on production methods and quality, viscose material is divided into cord fiber, staple fiber and viscose silk. The first is used for high-quality linen, staple fiber is used in insulated clothing, carpets and rugs, and viscose silk is used in home textiles.

Types of viscose:

Tencel- fabric made from eucalyptus wood. The material resembles cotton in its characteristics and is often used for sewing bed linen, textiles and clothing.

Modal– having almost all the properties of cotton, only more durable, wear-resistant and one and a half times more hygroscopic. It is often combined with cotton fibers to make bed textiles.

Cupra– the most expensive and high-quality viscose material. In appearance and in its properties, cupra is very similar to silk. Needs delicate care. Used for sewing evening dresses and festive outfits.

Acetate— the material is based not on whole cellulose, but on its waste (cellulose acetate). The fabric is thin, has a slight shine, similar to silk. The main distinguishing feature is its resistance to deformation and bruising, but at the same time reduced hygroscopicity and air permeability, as well as instability to high temperatures

Siblon– is the “youngest” viscose material. This viscose was obtained in the second half of the 70s from coniferous trees. All its positive properties are improved by no less than one and a half times than all of the above types of viscose material.

Other materials such as cotton, polyester, elastane can be added to the fabric. The latter is necessary to impart elastic properties to the fabric; it is usually mixed in a ratio of 5% elastane and 95% viscose, which ultimately increases wear resistance and elasticity. By adding polyester, a “butter” fabric is obtained, resulting in a material that is more pleasant to the touch. Products made from polyester fit the figure well. Therefore, it is used to create dresses, skirts and women's sportswear. Cotton in combination with viscose gives the fabric greater strength, but just like pure viscose, when it comes into contact with water, its strength decreases by 55%. It should be noted that the fabric is prone to shrinkage.

1. When washing, choose a delicate cycle, or wash by hand, to avoid deformation of the fabric.
2. It is advisable to use gentle powders that do not contain aggressive compounds.
3. The ideal temperature for washing is 30-40 degrees.
4. It is not recommended to wring or twist; it is better to simply hang it on a trempel or lay it horizontally to prevent the fabric from stretching.
5. It is better to iron at low temperature on the inside.
6. It is not recommended to use steam when ironing.
7. Remember to read the label on the product, as different fabric compositions require special care.
8. Workwear can be ironed and washed at high temperatures.

Viscose is used very widely; it has long penetrated into our everyday life and into many areas of our lives.

Viscose material can be found in almost every home as part of bed linen, clothing (both summer and winter - with fleece lycra), home textiles, as a lining for outerwear, rags and napkins for cleaning. Viscose material is also used in the production of cellophane, car tires, shoes and much more.

Viscose is an artificial fabric made from natural raw materials, cellulose. It was first produced at the end of the 19th century. Since then, the material has enjoyed stable popularity. In recent decades, the volume of viscose production in Russia has not increased due to the high cost of converting waste into environmentally friendly mixtures. New technological solutions that reduce the harmfulness of by-products allow us to hope for expanding the production of viscose materials. The article discusses the composition and properties, as well as areas of application of viscose.

What and how are viscose fibers made from?

It is difficult to imagine how it is possible to make soft, comfortable fabric from wood. This process is multi-stage.

This method is traditional. There are more advanced technologies that have not yet been implemented everywhere.

Structure and properties of viscose fibers

The length and thickness of the resulting fibers may vary depending on the prospects for use. In cross section they look like an irregular ribbed circle. From the outside they look like a smooth shiny tube with light strokes along the entire length.

The properties of fibers are usually considered in three aspects.

• Physical characteristics: heat resistance, hygroscopicity, resistance to light, viscose’s ability to swell is excellent.
• Chemical resistance is characterized by experts as average.
• Mechanical characteristics: abrasion ability, strength are not the highest. When wet, the strength decreases even further - by 60%.

Thin viscose threads are used to produce clothing and home textiles. Staple length threads are used to make knitwear, nonwovens, and lace. There is a technical viscose fabric called cordova. It is made from thick viscose threads, intertwined with cotton.

Types of viscose fabrics, their properties

The great demand for viscose textile fabrics is due to a combination of properties.

• The material causes a pleasant tactile sensation.
• The fabric is thermolabile, perceived as cool in summer, and comfortably warm in winter.
• The good sorption qualities of the threads make it easy for dye particles to be fixed. The fabrics are easy and durable to dye and have a beautiful appearance.
• Viscose is very light and does not create a feeling of heaviness on the body at all.
• The hygroscopic properties provide a pleasant feeling in any climate zone.
• Good permeability to air molecules allows the body to “breathe” under the cover of the fabric.
• The material does not generate static electricity.
• The canvases drape beautifully, have a shiny surface, and satisfy the requirements of discerning aesthetes.

The disadvantages of fabrics are conditional. Low wet strength is often indicated. At the same time, the material is perfectly washed and dried without any damage to its integrity. It is noted that the fabric stretches. This happens with fabrics to which polyesters are added. In certain products, such qualities can become an advantage.

Viscose materials are available in different types, similar to linen, wool, and cotton.

• Tencel fabric (), made from cellulose using a simplified patented technology, is gaining popularity. Material with improved strength properties has many more synonymous names. Due to the need to pay patent license holders, the product is more expensive than regular viscose.
• Fabric is produced from cellulose of various origins using technology different from traditional ones. The material is much lighter than ordinary viscose, easy and durable to dye.
• Blended products with the addition of elastane are characterized by additional elasticity, suitable for sportswear and women's clothing.
• When combined with polyester fibers, the fabric “” is obtained, which beautifully fits the female figure in the products.
• A new modification of the technology made it possible to obtain polynose and high-modulus fiber (Siblon) with improved mechanical and physical properties.
• , containing viscose and cotton or polyesters, are used for the manufacture of lining materials.

In the modern domestic market, imported viscose predominates. Many products come from China. Uzbekistan is developing this segment of light industry. Together with domestic products, the consumer is offered viscose materials of various types and qualities, differing in cost.

Video about viscose fabric:

Reading time: 5 minutes

Viscose has gained great popularity in the textile world of materials. Casual and elegant clothes and household items are sewn from it; it is versatile and varied. Viscose - what kind of fabric, what is its composition? So, this is a material made from artificial fiber of natural origin. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?

Production

Answers to questions about what viscose fabric is (viscose, viscous in translation) and what it is made from can be found on Wikipedia. Here is a description of the production process.

We know how expensive silk is—and for years, chemists have been trying to invent artificial silk that could be mass-produced cheaper. The first industrial production of rayon was in the United States in 1911. This fiber was named viscose in 1924.

Viscose is made up of cellulose, which is a fibrous chemical found in all plants. The bark of the tree, as well as the tough parts of the celery, are made from cellulose. Some types of viscose are made from cotton fluff, the short cotton fibers left on the cotton seeds after grinding.

First, a liquid mass called cellulose xanthate is obtained from wood (sawdust from trees of various species). This is done by placing the wood in a solution of calcium hydrosulfite and then cooking it under pressure for 24 hours.
The solution is forced through a spinneret that resembles a high-tech shower head and into the bathtub, which turns it into solid rayon threads. The final stage is drying.

When the same mass is squeezed into the same acid bath, but through a die with a narrow slit, a film is obtained, which is known to everyone as “cellophane”.

Viscose fibers differ from each other in fineness (thread number), length, number of fibers in the thread, strength, etc. Accordingly, their quality indicators are different: is the viscose fabric warm, does it stretch or not, does the material wrinkle, and so on.

Properties and uses

Although rayon was first invented as rayon, it can also be made to resemble cotton, linen or wool. Since viscose is made from plant matter, it absorbs water. But the absorbing water makes the viscose weak and causes the fiber to break down.

Types and characteristics of viscose fibers

• viscose silk is thin, with rather low strength. Used in the production of clothing, home textiles;
• cord thread is stronger and thicker than silk. Cord fabric is produced from it;
• staple fiber - used for wool spinning - carpets, warm clothes.

Positive qualities of the material:

• hygroscopicity.
  • The material perfectly absorbs liquid, depending on the type, up to 50% of its mass.
• breathability.
  • Viscose is a breathable material.
• antistatic.
  • It is not inclined to accumulate static electricity, does not “shoot”, and does not spark during friction.
• easy to paint;
• thermoregulatory properties.
  • In the cold it is able to retain heat and warm, in the heat, on the contrary, it can cool.
• excellent tactile qualities.

Viscose - what kind of material? Very soft, silky to the touch, comfortable when touching the body, does not cause irritation on the most sensitive skin.

the photo shows viscose fabric

Flaws:

• when wet, strength decreases significantly;
• wrinkles easily;
• viscose 100 percent stretches weakly, about 2-3% of the original state;
• insufficient resistance to abrasion (easily damaged by scrapers); wear resistance is noticeably inferior to cotton;
• Long exposure to direct sunlight has a negative effect on viscose.
• It absorbs and stains easily (this can be both a plus and a minus).

Viscose - is it natural or not? This is a material that can imitate any natural fabric depending on the thickness of the fibers - linen, cotton, silk, wool.

what is viscose knitwear?

To impart certain performance characteristics (strength, reduced creasing), properties (elasticity, softness) and appearance (shine or, conversely, dullness), special substances are added at a certain stage of production to provide the required properties.

For example, viscon fabric - a combination of viscose fibers and polyester provides high wear resistance, durability, strength and other valuable qualities of the material, or cold viscose, which contains stretch - this is an elastic material that stretches in length and width.

microviscose made from fine fibers

Varieties

Tencel (lyocell)

The cellulose from which this fabric is made is obtained from eucalyptus. The material is silky, very soft, a fiber whose characteristics are closest to cotton.

• increased strength;
• excellent hygroscopicity;
• breathability.

• low resistance to deformation.

It is used in the production of clothing, bed linen, and home textiles.

Modal

Consists of 100% wood cellulose, has all the properties of cotton, but in an improved version.

• one and a half times more hygroscopic than cotton fabric;
• environmental friendliness;
• high wear resistance;
• increased strength.

Modal is usually used in combination with cotton fibers for clothing and bed linen.

Acetate

Advantages:

• low creasing;
• resistance to deformation;
• dries quickly.

Flaws:

• does not absorb moisture well;
• when exposed to acetone, the fibers dissolve;
• not resistant to high temperatures (melting point is close to 200 degrees).

Acetate silk is often used as lining fabric.

Cupra

It is made from cellulose, consisting of cotton, which is dissolved in a copper-ammonium saline solution. The material is close to silk and is considered the highest quality and most expensive type of viscose.

Advantages:

• ability to thermoregulate;
• excellent breathability;
• strength.

Flaws:

• require special delicate care;
• not environmentally friendly and expensive production process.

Mainly for sewing evening wear. Care for products made from viscose is required, then the product will last a long time and will not lose its positive qualities.

Basic rules of care

• wash only in delicate mode (both gentle hand and machine wash are allowed);
• use of soft, non-aggressive detergents;
• water temperature for washing – no more than 40 degrees;
• spinning in a washing machine is not recommended; when washing by hand, it is unacceptable to twist or wring out the fabric, since in a wet state it is three times less durable than in a dry state;
• do not dry near heating devices;
• iron from the wrong side on the “silk” setting;
• Protect from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.