by Viscose staple fiber, commonly known as viscose fiber, is a type of regenerated cellulosic fiber derived from woody pulp cellulose. With the development of the viscose process in the late 19th century, it emerged as one of the earliest regenerated cellulosic fibers and remains an important part of the global textile industry today.
The Viscose Process
The production of viscose fiber begins with the conversion of wood pulp cellulose into a soluble compound known as cellulose xanthate. Wood pulp is treated with a sodium hydroxide solution to break down the cellulose chains into individual cellulose molecules. This alkali cellulose is then reacted with carbon disulfide (CS2) in the presence of a catalyst to form cellulose xanthate.
The cellulose xanthate solution is purified and refined to form a Viscose Staple Fiber dope. This dope is forced through small holes into a coagulating bath containing sulfuric acid, salt and zinc sulfate. Here, chemical reactions occur that regenerate almost pure cellulose in a filament form. The filaments are drawn, washed and dried to produce viscose fiber.
Properties and Uses of Viscose Staple Fibers
Viscose fiber have good absorbency and draping qualities, making them soft and smooth. They are biodegradable and compostable as well. Viscose is highly versatile as it can be spun, woven or knitted into a variety of fabrics. Some key properties and uses include:
– Absorbency: Viscose readily absorbs moisture, making it suitable for use in absorbent hygiene products like sanitary pads and diapers.
– Softness: The soft, smooth texture of viscose fibers makes them comfortable against the skin. They are used extensively in clothing fabrics.
– Hand feeling: Viscose fabrics have a natural, cotton-like hand feeling. This makes them popular for dresses, shirts, trousers, blouses and undergarments.
– Blends: Viscose blends well with other natural and man-made fibers to modify properties. Common blends include viscose-polyester, viscose-wool and viscose-cotton.
– Non-woven products: Non-woven viscose fabrics find applications in wet wipes, cosmetic pads, tissues and more.
– Home furnishings: Viscose fibers are utilized in curtains, drapes, upholstery fabrics and mattress covers due to their absorbency and smooth texture.
Advantages of Viscose over Other Cellulosic Fibers
While viscose shares properties with other natural cellulosic fibers, it has certain advantages that have aided its widespread use:
– Production flexibility: The viscose process allows large-scale production at competitive costs compared to natural fibers. Production can be easily scaled up or down based on demand.
– Uniformity: Mechanization provides consistent homogeneity and uniformity in viscose fiber. Natural fibers differ in length, thickness and other properties.
– Dyeability: Viscose accepts dyes readily and uniformly, allowing the production of vivid, long-lasting colors. It has better dyeability than cotton.
– Strength: Despite its softness, viscose has reasonable wet and dry strength for various end applications. Its tear and tensile strength are higher than other cellulosic fibers.
– Moisture management: The moisture-absorbent nature of viscose makes it comfortable to wear and helps regulate humidity. This keeps the skin dry.
Sustainability and the Future of Viscose Staple Fibers
With growing environmental awareness, sustainability has become a key concern for the textile industry. Viscose production is an energy-intensive process that emits pollutants and generates waste. However, producers are implementing measures like installing effluent treatment plants, reducing water use and switching to renewable energy sources.
Biotechnological advances are also helping make viscose production more eco-friendly. Enzymatic and bacterial processes can convert agricultural residues into cellulose for viscose without using toxic chemicals. Many viscose manufacturers are also obtaining wood pulp from sustainably-managed forests.
With its affordability and performance benefits, viscose fiber is likely to remain an important part of the global textile landscape. As its production becomes greener, its growth prospects are expected to keep rising in the years to come. Innovation will further expand viscose’s range of applications across different industries.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
