Modal fiber
Modal fiber is a type of textile made from the cellulose of beech trees. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its unique properties and sustainability benefits.
From a sustainability standpoint, modal fiber has several advantages over other textiles as well. Beech trees grow quickly without requiring pesticides or fertilizers, making them a highly renewable resource for pulp production. Additionally, the manufacturing process used to turn beechwood into fabric requires less energy and water than traditional cotton processing methods.
Modal fiber properties
i. Modal fiber has a high breaking strength.
ii. Fabrics made from modal fibers are shrinkage resistant.
iii. These fibers are very soft, and shiny in nature and silky feel than mercerized cotton
iv. These fiber fabrics should be washed at slighter temperatures only
v. These fiber fabrics can be often ironed after washing, like cotton
vi. This fiber is used single or blended with other fibers like cotton or Elasthan in domestic items such as towels, bathrobes, underwear and bedsheets, and bedspreads.
vii. These fibers are dimensionally constant and do not reduce in their size, or get away from their shape
viii. These fiber fabrics are used in a wide range of textile industries like clothing, and outerwear.
ix. This fiber fabric is great for sports clothing and everyday clothes because the fabric weave is very breathable.
x. This fiber fabric is completely biodegradable.
Modal fiber manufacturing process
Modal fibers are a type of rayon that is made from spinning reconstituted cellulose from beech trees. The manufacturing process of modal fiber involves several steps, including harvesting, pulping, and spinning.
Firstly, the beech wood is harvested and then debarked to remove the outer layer of bark. Once the wood has been stripped down to its core material, it's chipped into small pieces or ground into sawdust. These tiny chips or sawdust particles are then treated with chemicals like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide in order to create pulp.
The next step in the modal fiber manufacturing process is called "viscose." Viscose refers to the chemical treatment that transforms raw materials like wood pulp into usable fibers for textile production. During viscose processing, wood pulp is mixed with caustic soda solution until it dissolves completely forming a thick viscous liquid known as viscose.
After creating viscose, other additives may also be included such as sulfuric acid which helps convert cellulose xanthate into alkali cellulose. This alkali cellulose can now be spun through spinnerets (small holes) where they transform from liquid form to solid thread-like forms called "filaments."
Finally, these filaments undergo various treatments before becoming finished products ready for sale such as washing with acid solutions followed by neutralization using sodium carbonate solutions and finally drying at high temperatures under pressure so that they become strong enough for use in textiles.
The manufacture of the modal fiber requires careful handling because any deviation during any stage could compromise quality leading to substandard products that don't meet industry standards. Thus manufacturers must adhere strictly to established protocols if their end product will stand up against competition from other synthetic fabrics on store shelves today.
Modal fiber fabric pros
i. One key advantage of modal fiber is its softness. Modal fabric feels similar to cotton, but with added silkiness and smoothness. This makes it a popular material for clothing items like underwear, t-shirts, pajamas, and sheets.
ii. Another benefit of modal fiber is its absorbency. Compared to other fabrics like polyester or nylon, the modal can hold up to 50% more water without feeling wet or clammy against the skin. This makes it ideal for products that require moisture-wicking properties such as athletic wear or towels.
iii. Modal also has excellent durability, especially when compared to natural fibers like cotton or wool. It resists shrinkage and pilling much better than these materials do over time.
Modal fiber fabric cons
i. More people have allergic reactions to modal fabric than to other textiles. It is not uncommon for someone to have an allergic reaction to the material when they wear the model fabric for the first time. Itching, redness, and rash are the most common experiences reported when using this textile, but serious problems have occurred in rare cases.
ii. The durability of the modal fabric is not as good as other materials. This fabric is prone to pilling and stretching problems.
iii. It does not retain much body heat. This fabric tends to be comfortable and cool during the warmer months of the year, but this textile does not work well to retain body heat. This means you will feel cold when wearing it when the weather changes.
iv. These fibers actually contribute to about 60% of the fibers found in the deep sea zone of pollution.
Conclusion
Overall, modal fiber offers many benefits – both in terms of comfort and environmental impact – that make it worth considering for consumers looking for high-quality textiles that are also eco-friendly. As demand grows for sustainable fashion alternatives around the world today -be sure you consider using modal garments next time you go shopping.
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