{"id":491,"date":"2019-08-28T17:00:59","date_gmt":"2019-08-28T17:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.contrado.com\/blog\/?p=491"},"modified":"2020-11-27T16:09:27","modified_gmt":"2020-11-27T16:09:27","slug":"what-is-viscose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.contrado.com\/blog\/what-is-viscose\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Viscose: Understanding Your Fabrics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fabric comes in all shapes, sizes, weights, and constructions. It can be natural, synthetic, or manufactured. Some fabrics have more of a stigma than others. In this blog post, we will be asking the question; what is viscose? A textile that may be a little misunderstood. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is viscose and where did it come from?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps you have heard of viscose<\/a>, or maybe you know it better as rayon, the commonly-used term for viscose in the United States. But what actually is it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"viscose<\/a>
What is viscose?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Viscose is a type of rayon. Originally known as artificial silk, in the late 19th<\/sup> century, the term \u201crayon<\/em>\u201d came into effect in 1924. The name \u201cviscose<\/em>\u201d derived from the way this fiber is manufactured; a viscous organic liquid used to make both rayon and cellophane<\/em>. What does this mean in English? Viscose is the generalized term for a regenerated manufactured fiber, made from cellulose, obtained by the viscose process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a manufactured regenerated cellulose fiber, it is neither truly natural (like cotton, wool or silk) nor truly synthetic (like nylon or polyester) \u2013 it falls somewhere in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viscose is a low-cost fabric, which is popular thanks to its myriad of qualities. It can be found in cotton end uses, as well as luxurious velvets and taffetas. Viscose can also be found in feminine hygiene products, as well as tire cords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chemically, viscose resembles cotton, but it can also take on many different qualities depending on how it is manufactured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what is this fiber of many faces? To really understand what viscose is, we need to understand how it is made and what it is made from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is cellulose?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"cellulose<\/a>
Cellulose fiber which is turned into viscose fabric<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If a fiber is manufactured, then it is made from cellulose or protein. Cellulose is a carbohydrate and the chief component in the walls of plants. There is a difference between synthetic and manufactured fibers, which makes a difference in their sustainability. Viscose is made from wood pulp, making it a cellulosic fiber, like cotton or linen. It is often regarded as only partially manmade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manufactured fibers derive from naturally occurring cellulose, or protein, while synthetic fibers do not \u2013 they are completely manmade. So, if they come from a natural source, then why don\u2019t they fall under the \u201cnatural fiber\u201d category? Because they require extensive processing to get to the finished result. Therefore, the category of manufactured fibers is often referred to as \u201cregenerated cellulose<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is viscose a sustainable fabric?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because viscose is made from renewable plants, it is frequently cited as being environmentally friendly, and sustainable. But is this actually the case?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viscose is the oldest manufactured fiber, first being produced in 1883 as a cheap alternative to silk. Viscose production generally begins with wood pulp, and there are several chemical and manufacturing techniques to make it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where some controversy comes into play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To create viscose, and make it stand up to regular wearing and washing, it must be chemically treated. The recycled wood pulp is treated with chemicals such as caustic soda, ammonia, acetone, and sulphuric acid. We, therefore, have a fabric, which comes from a natural and sustainable source, but that is made with chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because viscose is made from cellulose, there is an argument to say that it is a more sustainable fiber then other synthetic fibers, such as polyester. Viscose is increasingly being manufactured using the Lyocell process. This uses N-Methlymorpholine N-oxide as the solvent. This method produces little waste products, making it far more eco-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are some characteristics of viscose?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"what<\/a>
Viscose fabric, also known as Rayon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Viscose<\/a> has a myriad of brilliant qualities, which makes it a popular fiber to work with. Thanks to its characteristics, several industries use it, to create a wide range of products. Some of the most beneficial characteristics of viscose include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n