As summer approaches, are you wondering what to wear? It’s quite an important decision, as the temperatures can soar and the atmosphere can get sticky. We all need to be comfortable and wear clothing that is soft and breathable. Cotton is one good option, but there are others as well. Viscose is a fabric that meets all these requirements. If that doesn’t ring a bell, you might have heard the term Rayon, which is the same thing all over again.
There are many misconceptions regarding the use of this fabric. People wonder if it is sustainable and biodegradable. Also, is the way that viscose is manufactured harmful to the environment? We will be addressing all these factors in this article, so you can make an informed decision about whether to use viscose-related products in your wardrobe.
History of Viscose
Do you know that viscose fabric, otherwise known as rayon, is also called artificial silk. Due to the long wait and high cost of making real silk from silkworms, an alternative process was found using chemicals. The term viscose comes from the process that is used to make the fabric. At one stage, rayon is a viscous honey-like liquid that later settles into solid form. Although the main ingredient is wood pulp, the production of the fabric includes so many chemical processes that the final product is more synthetic than natural.
- Robert Hooke, an English naturalist stated a theory whereby artificial silk filaments could be spun from cellulose, a product of wood pulp. This, he claimed in 1664, was similar to silk produced from silkworms.
- A Frenchman George Audemars successfully extracted viscose rayon in 1885. However, the process was not economically feasible.
- Four years later Hilaire de Bemiguad produced a commercial synthetic fiber called Chardonnay Silk but it was not economically viable.
- Charles Cross and Edward Bevan invented the Viscose Process in 1891, patenting it one year later. This laid the foundation for the viscose and rayon industries.
- A firm called Duo formed the Viscose Syndicate the following year to give licenses for the viscose process.
- But it was Courtaulds Ltd. USA who finally produced commercially feasible Artificial Silk in 1905.
Characteristics of Viscose Fabric
Viscose is a fabric that has many redeeming features. It is a semi-synthetic product that comes from wood cellulose that is manufactured via a chemical process. The product is widely used in the clothing industry, because it is versatile and can be fashioned into everything from shirts and T-shirts to skirts, blouses and trousers. Since it is light and durable, this makes it a good choice for sportswear products. Let’s look at the reasons why viscose is such a popular choice for clothing.
- It is soft and durable
VIscose has a smooth, soft touch that you will definitely like. It gives that gentle feeling on the skin which makes it comfortable for clothes and other products. The items created with viscose fabric are durable and can last a long time.
- The fabric drapes well
The fact that viscose fabric drapes well and has a graceful look adds to its appeal in the fashion sector. Whether it’s ready-to-wear or formal attire, viscose fabric can be molded into whatever you want to create, with comparative ease. Its fall is graceful and elegant. This means that it can be used to make flowing dresses, skirts and blouses.
- Feels light and comfortable
The fabric created with viscose has a little weight to it. This adds substance to the garments without making them too heavy.
- Glossy and silky feel
Did you know that viscose fabric was first created as an affordable alternative to silk? Yep, it is still called artificial silk. The cloth can be manufactured to get a glossy or matte finish. Pure viscose clothing is recognizable by its glossy, semi-transparent appearance. Its silky feel makes it more appealing to the senses.
- Can be dyed easily
The fabric can be dyed easily, which increases the possibility of it being available in a variety of colors. This feature allows garment manufacturers to create cloth with color that lasts.
- Sucks up moisture and is breathable
One of the wonderful benefits of using viscose is that it is breathable. That’s why you would love to wear it. By sucking up the moisture, it keeps you cool and comfortable.
- Liable to bubbling and pilling
Sometimes loose strands or balls of fabric may be noticed on rayon garments. This needs a little bit of care to handle.
The Manufacturing Process of Viscose
Now we will look at the manufacturing process of viscose or rayon made from wood pulp. It requires the following steps:
- Extracting Cellulose
The first step in producing rayon is the creation of wood pulp cellulose. The cellulose needs to have a purity of at least 90% to make quality fabric.
- Conversion to Alkali Cellulose
The cellulose is dissolved into caustic soda. The chemical reaction that results from this process transforms the cellulose into alkali cellulose. The reason for this process is to remove impurities from the cellulose and readies it to undergo the next step in the process.
- The Pressing Process
The alkali cellulose is passed tightly between two rollers to remove the excess liquid. After this, the pressed sheets are shredded and crumbled to create a substance that is called White Crumb.
- Aging and Xanthation
Now the white crumb is aged by exposing it to pure oxygen. After this is complete, it is exposed to carbon disulfide. The culmination of this process results in a new substance known as Yellow Crumb.
- The Ripening Process
The yellow crumb is then dissolved and allowed to ripen for a few hours.
- Filter and Extrusion
After the yellow crumb has ripened, it is then filtered. This removes the gas bubbles.Next, it is thrust through a spinneret. This is a device with many holes, just like a showerhead.
- Acid Bath and Completion
The outcome of the extrusion process results in a substance that is put into a bath of sulfuric acid. This produces rayon filaments. These filaments can be spun, drawn, and washed to produce a fabric that can then be cut into the desired shape and size.
Pros and Cons of Viscose
The viscose fabric called rayon is made from regenerated wood fibers that have been created from wood pulp or other plant-based material. There are certain advantages and disadvantages of using rayon, which we are outlining below:
Pros:
- Viscose has a luxurious feel and appearance. It has a soft and smooth texture, just like silk. This makes it an ideal choice for flowing dresses, blouses and scarves, it drapes well on the body. It is light and breathable.
- Because it can absorb moisture well, it can absorb sweat without letting you feel uncomfortable or wet. It keeps the wearer cool and dry, This makes it a good choice for warm-weather garments,
- It’s also easy to dye this fabric. Manufacturers use vibrant colors and patterns to make it stand out while preparing this fabric.
- One good reason that viscose fabric appeals to the masses is that it is more affordable compared to natural fibers like cotton and silk. It looks beautiful while being comfortable at the same time.
Cons:
- Viscose has a tendency to shrink when exposed to water or excessive heat in the process of washing and drying, This means that extra care must be taken while handling viscose garments,
- This fabric is also known to wrinkle easily, compared to other synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. Viscose fabric garments may require regular ironing to make them look fresh and neat.
- Although viscose is biodegradable, its production process uses a lot of chemicals like caustic soda, ammonia and sulfuric acid. This is why although it uses wood pulp as a source, the production process pollutes the atmosphere.
Where is Viscose Used?
There are many applications of viscose. Because the final product is a synthetic material that can be altered to various strengths and shapes, viscose can have a variety of applications:
As a yarn, viscose can be spun into fancy thread, cords or novelty products. Its fabric can be used to create lace or crepe. It can be used as an inner lining for coats and outer garments. Perhaps you’d like a dress or sari made from viscose fabric. Or even ties, suits, slacks, hats, jackets and blouses. Sportswear is one of the most popular items made with this material. Use in domestic textile applications means the creation of sheets, curtains and blankets. Durable and resilient vehicle tires are a most common use. It can replace or blend with rubber.
Where is Viscose Fabric Produced?
As the creation of rayon involves a complex process, it can only be produced in a large- scale factory setting such as a textile manufacturing unit. That’s why rayon is made in a large factory where the needed chemicals are also available in sufficient quantities.
Historically, America and Britain used to be the center of the world’s rayon production. But it has now become ethically and economically unfeasible for them. The main production areas are now China, Pakistan, India and Indonesia. The cheap labor and lack of proper regulations regarding production processes means that these Asian countries are the new hub of rayon products.
Comparison of Viscose with Other Fabrics
It’s all well to note that rayon was created as the world’s first artificial silk, but how does it match up with cotton, silk or other synthetic products? Let’s now take a look and compare it with some other clothing materials.
Viscose vs Cotton
The production of cotton requires a lot of water. It is estimated that creating one cotton garment uses up the same amount of water as a human drinks in 2.5 years. Cotton has better tensile strength when wet than viscose. It is a natural fiber but its production involves a high cost.
Cotton may also be more pricey than viscose. It can shrink after the first wash. Its high water retention means that items take longer to dry.
Viscose drapes quite well and is less expensive than cotton. It has a silky feel, retains color well and dyes easily. It has a soft feel and looks good. However, there are more steps involved in producing viscose. It results in more chemicals and waste. It is weaker than cotton while wet. Viscose is also harder to clean and maintain.
Polyester vs Viscose
Polyester is made from petroleum. It is a fully synthetic material, a type of fiber made from polymers. It is used in the manufacture of a wide variety of materials, from hoods to dresses to blankets. Polyester is durable, retains shape, and is moisture resistant. It is however not biodegradable.
Being affordable and readily available has made polyester more popular. It is used for sportswear and casual clothing. It is not good for the environment. Creating polyester is a long process that involves first converting crude oil to petroleum which causes great harm to the environment. Additional chemical processes to create polymers and then cloth are another burden. Polyester is also relatively warm, with some varieties being warmer than others. The creation of polyester also involves meeting certain quality standards.
Viscose is a version of rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber. It is made from wood pulp and is a substitute for silk. It uses wood pulp as a base, which is organic. Viscose is cheaper than other polyester. It is absorbent, lightweight, and breathable. It is soft and maintains its shape. Viscose is used in the clothing industry to make a wide variety of items like shirts, slacks, skirts, blouses and activewear. It is an alternative to silk. While viscose is moderately warm, layering may be required to maintain the warmth. Since the basic raw material is organic and plant-based, it may be considered less harmful to the environment. The creation of viscose in the USA or UK needs certification compliances as well. Polyester is 100% synthetic while viscose is semi-synthetic
How to Care for Viscose While Washing, Drying and Ironing
Viscose is a soft material that has a texture like silk. It can be put in a washing machine, but its better to wash it by hand. This is a more gentle procedure and helps retain the smoothness of the material.
How to Hand Wash Viscose Garments
Choose to wash viscose by hand as it is a soft material and requires considerable care. You can use a mild detergent as it helps retain the quality of the fabric. It also requires less energy to wash such fabrics. You do not have to make use of any fabric softener as viscose is a naturally soft material. One of the best things you can do while washing is to do it in cold water as this will not spoil the texture of the fabric and also keep the color steadfast.
How to Machine Wash Viscose Clothing
People still wonder whether cleaning viscose using a washing machine is a good option. We would say that, yes, it’s a great choice. But it’s better to put it in a washing bag to protect this soft fabric. Don’t forget to set the machine for easy wash so that the look and feel of the clothes is fresh and new.
How to Dry Viscose Garments Naturally
So now you want to dry out the garments that you’ve washed? If you’re thinking of using the washing machine again, stop. It could be a complete fiasco. Go natural and you can’t be wrong. Viscose dries fast because it’s light and airy, so leave it in the open air and let sunlight do its work. Leave it on a flat surface, or better still, use a clothes hanger so that it drapes over naturally and retains its shape.
What about ironing Viscose Garments?
With the drying process completed, you’d now want to iron out the garment before you wear or store it. You don’t have to spend much energy here because the iron or a steamer will do all the hard work. Just glide it along and you’re done. Be sure to smoothen out all the wrinkles and rough spots so that the fabric retains its smooth texture.
Conclusion
We’ve carefully looked at how viscose is produced and used, and what are its pros and cons as a wearable fabric. Yes, while it is relatively cheaper to buy and is available almost everywhere. But you just can’t deny that making viscose fabric pollutes the atmosphere because of the chemical processes involved. In the end, you’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s worth using these garments. It could affect sustainability and the future of our planet.
FAQs
- Would you call viscose fabric natural or synthetic?
Wood pulp is the raw material from which viscose is made. However, the product of viscose fabric involves several chemicals like ammonia, caustic soda and sulfuric acid. In the end, we are forced to label viscose fabric as semi-synthetic.
- Can we wear viscose fabric in hot weather?
Yes, using viscose clothing in summer is highly recommended. It’s light, airy and keeps the body cool. It also quickly absorbs sweat and moisture.
