Viscous Fabric: What it is, Characteristics, Applications and Much More
Viscose, also known as rayon, is one of the most used fabrics in the world of fashion. Recently, it has gained popularity in response to the growing demand for natural fibers.
But what exactly is viscose? Where does it come from? What are its characteristics? Is it really a natural fabric? Let's explore everything you need to know about viscose.
What is Viscose?
Viscose is a type of semi-synthetic fabric, created as a cheaper man-made alternative to silk. It is derived from the extraction of cellulose fibers from the heart of trees such as pine, bamboo or eucalyptus, which are then converted into fabric yarns.
How Viscose is Produced
The production of viscose begins with the extraction of cellulose from the cell walls of plants. This cellulose is transformed into cellulose xanthate, which then becomes a viscous liquid.
This liquid is subjected to a series of chemical processes to obtain a fiber that imitates the qualities of natural fibers such as silk and cotton.
Are Viscose and Rayon the Same Thing?
Although viscose is commonly called rayon, it is actually a variant of rayon. There are other variants such as modal and lyocell, which differ mainly in the production process and the final properties of the fabric.
Rayon, in particular, is produced with a cellulose immersion process, which can be extracted from plant fibers such as bamboo or wood.
History of Rayon Viscose
Viscose rayon was originally created in 1883 by Edward John Bevan and Charles Frederick Cross as a cheaper alternative to silk. The first commercial viscose rayon was produced by a British company in November 1905.
The name “rayon” was adopted in 1924, while “viscose” referred to the organic liquid used to produce rayon and cellophane. In Europe, the fabric itself is often called “viscose”.
Features of the Viscose Fabric
Viscose fabric is very soft to the touch, often similar to silk and cotton. Chemically, viscose resembles cotton but can take on different qualities depending on its processing.
It is a very versatile fabric, suitable for both single use and mixed with other fabrics. Viscose is also hypoallergenic and breathable, making it ideal for summer and sportswear.
It is not a stretch fabric, but can be mixed with other fabrics such as elastane to add elasticity. It drapes well and can be dyed easily, keeping the colors vibrant even after numerous washes.
Uses and Applications
Viscose rayon is widely used in clothing for its softness and comfort. It is found in shirts, blouses, sportswear, scarves, velvets, taffetas, feminine hygiene products, tire cords and interior fabrics such as curtains, tablecloths and sheets.
How to Care for Viscose Fabric
Viscose loses much of its strength when wet, so it is important to treat wet items with care.
Dry cleaning is recommended, avoiding washing machines. If hand washing, use cold water and a mild detergent, working the fabric gently.
After washing, rinse, shake off the water and hang the items to dry, avoiding direct sunlight. Wringing or twisting viscose rayon can damage the fibers.
Environmental Impact: Is Viscose a Sustainable Material?
Despite the many benefits of viscose, its production process can be harmful to the environment. Viscose production uses a lot of water and toxic chemicals that pollute air and water.
However, viscose is biodegradable. To reduce the environmental impact, it is advisable to use existing or recycled viscose.
Find circular viscose fabrics in our Viscose Fabrics category and discover how your company can make the difference.
Zerow offers a wide range of viscose materials from the excess stocks of large luxury companies, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible approach in fashion.
