Viscose fabric | Viscose fabric pros and cons

Viscose fabric

Viscose fabric, or rayon, is a versatile material widely used in the textile industry. It is made from plant-based cellulose fibers and has gained popularity due to its softness, comfort, and draping characteristics.

One notable property of viscose fabric is its excellent absorbency; it can hold moisture up to 50% of its weight without feeling damp to the touch. This characteristic makes wearing it comfortable in warmer climates or during physical activities. Additionally, viscose fabric has a smooth and silky texture, similar to natural silk, but at a more affordable price point.

Viscose fabric is also known for its draping quality, making it suitable for creating flowing garments like dresses, skirts, and scarves. It displays good breathability due to the porous nature of the cellulose fibers, allowing air circulation and preventing excessive heat retention against the skin.

However, despite these advantages, there are some drawbacks associated with viscose fabric. One significant concern is its tendency to shrink or lose shape when exposed to water or high humidity. Therefore, proper care instructions involving dry cleaning or gentle hand washing should be followed to maintain its original dimensions.

Moreover, while being derived from natural materials may seem eco-friendly on the surface level, the manufacturing process of viscose fabric involves various chemicals. It can generate harmful byproducts if not correctly managed. Efforts have been made in recent years towards developing more sustainable production methods for rayon/viscose fabrics.

Production of viscose fabric

The production of viscose fabric dates back to the late 19th century when it was first introduced as a cheaper alternative to silk. The name "viscose" comes from the term "viscous," which refers to the thick liquid state of the raw material during manufacturing. Viscose is derived from natural sources such as wood pulp or cotton liners through a complex chemical process involving various stages.

The manufacturing process begins with dissolving cellulose in sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) to create alkali cellulose. This substance ages for several hours before being treated with carbon disulfide to form a yellow-orange liquid called viscous xanthate. The resulting substance is then dissolved in a more acidic soda solution to produce what is known as sodium cellulose xanthate.

This solution is diluted with water and filtered multiple times before extruding through spinnerets into a bath containing sulfuric acid or zinc sulfate solution. This step helps regenerate the cellulose fibers by removing excess chemicals while forming long filaments that solidify upon contact with air or another chemical bath.

Once dried, these regenerated fibers can be spun into yarns or woven/knitted into fabrics suitable for different applications like clothing, home textiles, medical supplies, upholstery materials, and more.

Viscose fabric pros and cons

Viscose fabric, or rayon, is a versatile and widely used textile material. It is made from regenerated cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp or other plant-based materials. Viscose fabric offers several pros and cons, which we will explore in detail.

Viscose fabric pros 

i. One of the primary benefits of viscose fabric is its luxurious feel and appearance. It has a soft, smooth texture similar to silk, making it highly desirable for dresses, blouses, and scarves. Additionally, viscose fabric drapes well on the body due to its fluidity and breathability.

ii. Another advantage of viscose fabric is its excellent moisture absorption properties. It can effectively absorb sweat without feeling wet or uncomfortable against the skin. This feature makes it ideal for warm-weather garments since it helps keep the wearer cool and dry.

iii. Furthermore, viscose fabric has good dyeing capabilities. Its ability to use vibrant colors adds to its appeal in the fashion industry. The rich hues achieved through dyeing make viscose fabrics visually striking in solid colors and intricate patterns.

iv. Moreover, viscose fabric is relatively affordable compared to natural fibers like cotton or silk, offering comparable aesthetics and comfort levels. This affordability makes it accessible to many consumers who appreciate high-quality textiles at reasonable prices.

Viscose fabric cons

i. However, despite these advantages, some drawbacks are also associated with using viscose fabric. One significant disadvantage is its tendency to shrink when water or excessive heat is exposed during washing or drying processes. Therefore, extra care must be taken when handling garments made from viscose fabrics.

ii. Another drawback of using viscose fabrics is their susceptibility to wrinkling easily compared with more resilient synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. Regular ironing may be required if one desires a crisp look for their outfit made from these fabrics.

Conclusion

Viscose fabric offers a blend of comfort and affordability in various textile applications. Its softness and drape make it a popular choice among designers looking for versatile materials for their creations. However, attention must be paid to its care requirements and environmental impact as we strive towards more sustainable practices in the fashion industry.