What Is Viscose? The Ultimate Fabric Guide
There are many different types, weights, sizes, and structures of fabric, which could be manufactured or obtained naturally Moreover, each fabric has unique advantages and disadvantages While some have more stigma than others, some are widely used and loved worldwide
However, selecting a material that appeals to you and meets your demands is easier if you have a greater understanding of them One of the most often used materials in the textile industry is viscose fabric It is as delicate as silk but considerably less expensive, simpler, and especially kind on the skin
Since the late 1800s, viscose fabric has been a mainstay in many closets and houses
What is viscose fabric?
Viscose is a fabric made chemically from the natural material cellulose. It is one kind of rayon. It was first referred to as artificial silk in the 19th century, and the name "rayon" was first used in 1924.
The word "viscose" comes from the viscous organic liquid used to generate rayon and cellophane, which is how this fiber is produced. It sits midway between being a manufactured cellulose fiber. It is neither genuinely natural (like cotton, silk, or wool) nor truly synthetic (like nylon or polyester).
Hence, viscose fabric is promoted in the fashion industry as a more affordable and long lasting substitute for cotton or polyester as well as silk.
Some trees and plants used to manufacture viscose are:
● Pine
● Beech
● Hemlock
● Spruce
● Bamboo
● Eucalyptus
● Sugarcane
● Soy
How is viscose material made?
Several chemicals are used in viscose production, including sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. So, even if viscose is created from trees, it is semi synthetic.
Five steps make up the production process for viscose:
1 To create a brown wood pulp solution, the plant is chopped into wood pulp and mixed with chemicals like sodium hydroxide
2 This dark wood pulp is washed, cleansed, and bleached
3 To produce the fibers, the pulp is first treated with carbon disulfide before dissolving in sodium hydroxide to create the viscose solution
4 Then, the viscose solution is pushed through a spinneret, a device that produces regenerated cellulose fibers
5 These regenerated cellulose fibers are spun into yarn and used to weave or knit fabrics made of viscose fabric
What are the characteristics of viscose fabric?
Like every material, viscose has unique characteristics and offers several beneficial qualities:
● Breathable: Viscose is incredibly breathable, unlike completely synthetic materials, making it ideal apparel for warm weather.
● Softness: Viscose fabric resembles real silk and feels as soft as cotton.
● Absorbent: Viscose does not trap heat. So, it is a great option for sportswear since it efficiently absorbs water, perspiration, and body oils.
● Lightweight: it is as light as cotton.
● Excellent color retention: It can effectively retain dye and does not fade for a long time, just like chiffon fabric
● Moisture wicking: Viscose rayon is the least moisture-wicking of all semi-synthetic textiles However, it is still an excellent option for hot climates with low humidity
