What Is Viscose Fabric? History, How & Where Is Made

What Is Viscose Fabric?

Viscose fabric, also known as rayon, is a type of regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp or cotton linters. It is a semi-synthetic fabric that is popular in the fashion industry due to its versatility and low cost.

Viscose is known for its silky, lightweight texture and ability to drape beautifully. It is often used to make clothing items such as dresses, blouses, and skirts. It is also popular for use in home decor and upholstery due to its softness and breathability.

One of the benefits of viscose fabric is its ability to absorb moisture, making it a great option for hot and humid weather. It is also easy to dye, making it available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

However, viscose fabric has some drawbacks, including its tendency to shrink and lose shape when wet. It is also prone to wrinkling and requires special care when washing and ironing.

History Of Viscose Fabric:

The history of viscose fabric dates back to the late 19th century when a Frenchman named Hilaire de Chardonnet developed the first commercially successful artificial silk known as “Chardonnet silk.”

However, the production process involved the use of highly flammable solvents, making it dangerous to manufacture.

In 1894, a British scientist named Charles Frederick Cross, along with his colleagues Edward John Bevan and Clayton Beadle, developed a safer method of producing cellulose-based fibers.

They discovered that when wood pulp was treated with sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, it would dissolve into a viscous liquid that could be extruded through small holes and then solidified into fibers.

The resulting fiber was named “viscose” due to its viscous nature. Viscose fabric became popular in the early 20th century as a cheaper alternative to silk. It was used to make clothing, upholstery, and even car tires.

Over time, advancements in technology and production methods have made viscose fabric more versatile and widely used.

However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of the production process, as it involves the use of chemicals and large amounts of water. Efforts are underway to develop more sustainable methods of producing viscose fabric.

How Is Viscose Fabric Made?

Viscose fabric is made from wood pulp or cotton linters, which are treated with chemicals to produce a semi-synthetic fiber. Here is a brief overview of the process:

1. Dissolving: Wood pulp or cotton linters are treated with a solution of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to break down the cellulose fibers.
2. Aging: The resulting solution is left to age for several hours to allow the cellulose to fully dissolve.
3. Xanthation: Carbon disulfide is added to the solution to create a substance called cellulose xanthate.
4. Dissolving and Filtering: The cellulose xanthate is dissolved in a more caustic soda solution, and then filtered to remove any impurities.
5. Spinning: The resulting viscous liquid is forced through small holes called spinnerets into a solution of sulfuric acid, which causes the cellulose xanthate to solidify into fibers.
6. Washing: The fibers are washed in water to remove any remaining chemicals.
7. Finishing: The fibers are treated with various finishing processes to improve their appearance and performance, such as dyeing, bleaching, and softening.

The resulting fibers can then be spun into yarns or used to make non-woven fabrics.

The production of viscose fabric requires a significant amount of water and chemicals, which can have negative environmental impacts if not properly managed.

Efforts are being made to develop more sustainable methods of producing viscose, such as closed-loop systems that recycle water and chemicals.

Where Is Viscose Fabric Produced?

Viscose fabric is produced in many countries around the world. The top producers of viscose fabric are China, India, and Indonesia, which together account for more than 70% of the world’s viscose production. Other significant producers include Turkey, Brazil, the United States, and Pakistan.

China is the largest producer of viscose fabric, accounting for around 60% of global production. The country has a large textile industry and produces both viscose staple fiber (used for yarn production) and viscose filament yarn (used for fabrics).

India is the second-largest producer, with a significant portion of its production being used for domestic consumption. Indonesia is also a major producer, with a focus on producing high-quality viscose filament yarn.

The production of viscose requires significant amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, which can have negative environmental impacts if not managed properly.

Some viscose producers have faced criticism in recent years for their environmental practices, including deforestation and water pollution.

As a result, efforts are being made to improve the sustainability of viscose production, such as through the use of closed-loop production systems that recycle water and chemicals.

What Is Viscose Used For?

Viscose fabric is a versatile material that is used in a wide range of applications, including clothing, home textiles, and industrial applications. Here are some of the most common uses of viscose fabric:

1. Clothing: Viscose is a popular material for clothing due to its softness, durability, and lightweight texture. It is often used to make dresses, blouses, skirts, and other garments.
2. Home textiles: Viscose is also used for home textiles such as curtains, bedding, and upholstery due to its softness and ability to drape well.
3. Industrial applications: Viscose is used in a range of industrial applications, such as tire cords and industrial filters, due to its strength and durability.
4. Medical applications: Viscose is also used in medical applications, such as wound dressings and surgical gowns, due to its absorbency and ability to be sterilized.

Viscose can be found in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, making it a popular choice for designers and manufacturers.

However, it does have some drawbacks, including its tendency to shrink and lose shape when wet, and its susceptibility to wrinkling.

What Different Types Of Viscose Are There?

There are several different types of viscose fabric available on the market, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of viscose:

1. Viscose Rayon: This is the most common type of viscose and is made by dissolving wood pulp in a solution of caustic soda and carbon disulfide. Viscose rayon is soft, lightweight, and has good draping qualities.
2. Modal: Modal is a type of viscose made from beech tree pulp. It is known for its softness, strength, and ability to hold dye well. Modal is often used for lingerie, athletic wear, and other apparel.
3. Lyocell: Lyocell is a newer type of viscose that is made using a closed-loop production process, which is more environmentally friendly. It is known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Lyocell is often used for bedding, towels, and other home textiles.
4. Cupro: Cupro is a type of viscose made from cotton linter, which is the short fibers that stick to cotton seeds after the cotton is ginned. Cupro has a silk-like texture and is often used for high-end clothing and accessories.
5. Bamboo Viscose: Bamboo viscose is a type of viscose made from bamboo pulp. It is known for its softness, absorbency, and eco-friendliness. Bamboo viscose is often used for clothing, bedding, and towels.

Each type of viscose has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right type for a particular application depends on factors such as softness, strength, and environmental impact.

Viscose Advantages And Disadvantages:

Viscose fabric has several advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered when deciding whether or not to use it. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of viscose fabric:

Advantages:

1. Softness: The fabric is known for its softness and luxurious feel, making it a popular choice for clothing and home textiles.
2. Good drape: Viscose has a good drape, which means it hangs well and flows gracefully. This makes it ideal for clothing such as dresses and skirts.
3. Breathable: It is breathable and moisture-absorbent, which means it can help keep the wearer cool and comfortable in hot weather.
4. Good for dyeing: Viscose takes dye well and can be dyed in a wide range of colors, making it a versatile material for designers and manufacturers.

Disadvantages:

1. Shrinking: It has a tendency to shrink when wet, which can make it difficult to care for.
2. Wrinkling: It is prone to wrinkling, which means it may require ironing or steaming to maintain its appearance.
3. Environmental impact: The production of viscose requires significant amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, which can have negative environmental impacts if not managed properly.
4. Durability: The fabric is not as durable as some other materials and may not hold up as well over time.

Viscose Fabric Characteristics:

Viscose fabric has several unique characteristics that make it a popular choice for clothing and home textiles. Here are some of the main characteristics of viscose:

1. Softness: Viscose fabric has a soft and silky feel, which makes it comfortable to wear and ideal for bedding and other home textiles.
2. Drapability: Viscose has a good drape, which means it hangs well and flows gracefully. This makes it ideal for clothing such as dresses and skirts.
3. Breathability: It is breathable and moisture-absorbent, which means it can help keep the wearer cool and comfortable in hot weather.
4. Lightweight: It is lightweight, which makes it comfortable to wear and easy to move in.
5. Good for dyeing: It takes dye well and can be dyed in a wide range of colors, making it a versatile material for designers and manufacturers.
6. Sheen: Viscose has a natural sheen, which can give it a luxurious look and feel.
7. Absorbency: Viscose has good absorbency, which makes it ideal for towels and other home textiles that need to be moisture-absorbent.
8. Versatility: Viscose can be made into a wide range of products, including clothing, bedding, upholstery, and more.

However, it is important to note that viscose also has some drawbacks, including its tendency to shrink and wrinkle, its environmental impact, and its lower durability compared to some other materials.

How Much Does Viscose Fabric Cost?

The cost of viscose fabric can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the quality of the fabric, the manufacturer, and the intended use.

Generally, viscose is considered to be an affordable option for clothing and home textiles.

For clothing, the cost of viscose can range from around $5 to $20 per yard, depending on the quality and brand.

Some high-end fashion brands may use more expensive viscose fabrics that can cost upwards of $50 per yard.

For home textiles such as bedding and towels, the cost of viscose can vary depending on the thread count and quality.

Some higher-end viscose bedding can cost hundreds of dollars, while lower-end options may be more affordable.

It is important to note that the cost of viscose can also be impacted by the environmental and ethical practices of the manufacturer.

Some manufacturers use more sustainable and eco-friendly production methods, which can increase the cost of the fabric.

Conversely, some manufacturers may use cheaper production methods that can have negative environmental impacts.

How Does Viscose Impact The Environment?

The production of viscose fabric can have significant environmental impacts if not managed properly. Here are some of the ways in which viscose can impact the environment:

1. Deforestation: The production of viscose fabric typically involves using wood pulp as a raw material. This can contribute to deforestation if the wood pulp is sourced from unsustainable forestry practices.
2. Chemical use: The production process for viscose requires the use of several chemicals, including caustic soda, sulfuric acid, and carbon disulfide. These chemicals can have negative environmental impacts if not properly managed and disposed of.
3. Water use: The production of viscose requires significant amounts of water, which can contribute to water scarcity in areas where water resources are limited.
4. Pollution: The chemicals used in the production of viscose can contribute to air and water pollution if not properly managed.
5. Waste: The production process for viscose can generate significant amounts of waste, including wastewater and chemicals.

However, efforts are being made to address some of these environmental concerns associated with viscose production.

Some manufacturers are implementing more sustainable and eco-friendly production methods, such as using recycled wood pulp and reducing chemical use and waste.

It is important to consider the environmental impact of viscose when making purchasing decisions and choosing products that have been produced using sustainable and responsible practices.

Read Next:

• What Is Twill Fabric?
• What Is Tweed Fabric?

Final Words

Viscose is a versatile and affordable material that is commonly used in clothing and home textiles.

It has several unique characteristics, such as softness, breathability, and good drapability, that make it a popular choice for designers and manufacturers.

However, the production of viscose fabric can have significant environmental impacts if not managed properly, including deforestation, chemical use, and water consumption.

It is important for manufacturers and consumers to prioritize sustainable and responsible production practices when choosing viscose products.

Overall, viscose offers a balance of affordability and versatility, with a luxurious feel and good performance characteristics.

While there are environmental concerns associated with its production, efforts are being made to address these issues and make the production of viscose more sustainable.