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Lyocell is a fibre made from wood pulp cellulose. It was first manufactured in 1988 by Courtaulds Fibres UK at their pilot plant S25. The only current manufacturer in the United States is Lenzing Inc, who market it under the trademarked brand name Tencel.
The Federal Trade Commission defines lyocell as "a cellulose fabric that is obtained by an organic solvent spinning process". It classifies the fibre as a sub-category of rayon.
The fibre is used in the production of many clothes, such as jeans, trousers and coats.
Major Properties
Lyocell was introduced to consumers in 1991 and originally marketed as a type of Rayon. The only current manufacturer in the United States is Lenzing Inc, who market it under the trademarked brand name Tencel. Lyocell is produced from wood pulp called celulose. Lyocell shares many properties with other celulostic fibers such as cotton, linen, ramie and rayon. Some main characterisitcs of lyocell fibers are, soft, absorbent, high strength when wet or dry, resistan to wrinkles, can be machine or hand washed or drycleaned, has good drape and can be dyed many colors as well as simulate a variety of textures like suede, leather or silk. FiberSource
Production Method
Lyocell is created through a process called solvent spinning. The wood pulp is dissolved in amine oxide creating a solution called dope. The dope is then pushed through a spinneret to form the individual fibers. After the dope has been spun into lyocell fibers it is washed and the chemicals are retrieved from the water, purified and recycled. (Kadolph, Sara, and Anna Langford. Textiles:Ninth Edition. Prentice Hall. 2002.) Since there is little byproduct, this process is relatively eco-friendly.
Uses
Currently Lyocell is more expensive to produce then cotton or rayon, but is included in many everyday items. Staple fibers are used in apparel items such as denim, chino, underwear and other casual wear clothing, even in bath towels. Filament fibers are used in items that have a silkier appearance such as women’s clothing and men’s dress shirts. Lyocell can be blended with a variety of other fibers such as silk, cotton, rayon, polyester, linen, nylon, wool, and polyester. Lyocell is also used in conveyor belts, specialty papers and medical dressings. (Textiles, Kadolph & Langford)
External links
"Lyocell"