What Is Viscose Fabric? Complete Guide

What is Viscose Fabric?

Viscose fabric is a type of textile that is made from regenerated cellulose fibers. It is also known as rayon, which is a term that refers to any fabric that is made from regenerated cellulose fibers. Viscose is a soft and lightweight fabric that has a silky texture and drapes beautifully. It is often used in clothing such as dresses, blouses, and skirts, as well as in home textiles like curtains and upholstery.

This fabric is made by treating wood pulp or other plant fibers with chemicals to break them down into a liquid form. This liquid is then extruded through small holes into a chemical bath that solidifies the fibers. The resulting material can be spun into thread and woven into fabric.

It is a popular fabric because it is affordable, breathable, and has a smooth texture. However, it is also prone to shrinking and wrinkling, and it can lose its shape over time. To maintain the quality of viscose fabric, it is best to hand wash or dry clean it, and avoid using high heat when ironing.

History Of Viscose Fabric:

Viscose fabric has a fascinating history that dates back to the late 1800s. In 1884, French chemist Hilaire de Chardonnet discovered a way to produce a fabric from cellulose, which he called “artificial silk.” However, his method involved the use of highly flammable materials, and there were several factory fires that led to its prohibition.

In 1892, British inventors Charles Frederick Cross, Edward John Bevan, and Clayton Beadle developed a safer and more practical method for producing artificial silk, which they named “viscose.” Their method involved treating cellulose with caustic soda, then carbon disulfide, to create a viscous solution that could be spun into fibers. This method was adopted by many textile manufacturers around the world and led to the mass production of viscose fabric.

Viscose fabric became very popular in the early 20th century, as it was an affordable alternative to silk and cotton. It was used in a wide range of products, from clothing to home textiles, and it helped to revolutionize the textile industry.

Today, viscose is still a popular fabric, but it has also faced criticism for its environmental impact. The production of viscose can be highly polluting, and there are concerns about the use of toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. As a result, there has been a push towards more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to viscose, such as lyocell and bamboo.

How Is Viscose Fabric Made?

Viscose fabric is made from regenerated cellulose fibers that are derived from natural sources such as wood pulp, bamboo, or cotton. The production process involves several stages, which are outlined below:

1. Dissolving the Cellulose: The first step is to dissolve the cellulose fibers in a solution of caustic soda and carbon disulfide. This creates a viscous liquid called “viscose.”
2. Filtering and Ripening: The viscose is then filtered to remove any impurities, and it is left to ripen for several hours to improve the quality of the fibers.
3. Extruding the Viscose: The viscose is then extruded through small holes called spinnerets, which convert it into long filaments. These filaments are then washed to remove any residual chemicals.
4. Spinning and Weaving: The filaments are spun into yarns and woven into fabrics using a variety of techniques, such as plain weave, twill weave, or satin weave.
5. Finishing: The fabric is then finished to improve its texture, appearance, and performance. This may involve processes such as dyeing, printing, or coating with a finish to make it water-resistant or flame-retardant.

The production of viscose fabric can be quite polluting, as it involves the use of chemicals such as caustic soda and carbon disulfide, which can be hazardous to human health and the environment. However, there are efforts underway to develop more sustainable and eco-friendly methods of producing viscose, such as using recycled cellulose or developing closed-loop production systems.

Where Is Viscose Fabric Produced?

Viscose fabric is produced in many countries around the world, with the largest producers being China, India, and Indonesia. Other significant producers include Turkey, Brazil, and the United States.

The production of viscose fabric requires a reliable source of cellulose fibers, which are typically obtained from wood pulp. As a result, many viscose production facilities are located near forests or other sources of the wood fiber. In recent years, there has been a trend toward locating viscose production facilities closer to the source of the wood fiber, in order to reduce transportation costs and minimize the environmental impact of shipping raw materials over long distances.

Some of the largest producers of viscose fabric are vertically integrated, meaning they control the entire production process from cellulose extraction to fabric production. This allows them to have greater control over the quality of their products and to ensure that they are produced in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Overall, the global production of viscose fabric continues to grow, as demand for this versatile and affordable fabric remains strong. However, there are concerns about the environmental impact of viscose production, and efforts are underway to develop more sustainable and eco-friendly methods of producing this popular fabric.

What Is Viscose Fabric Used For?

Viscose fabric is a versatile material that is used for a wide range of applications. It is popular in the fashion industry due to its soft and silky texture, as well as its ability to drape beautifully. Some common uses of viscose fabric include:

1. Clothing: Viscose is often used to make clothing such as dresses, skirts, blouses, and pants. It is particularly popular for summer clothing due to its lightweight and breathable nature.
2. Home textiles: Viscose is also used in home textiles such as curtains, drapes, and upholstery. Its soft and smooth texture makes it a popular choice for bedding and decorative pillows.
3. Accessories: Viscose is sometimes used to make accessories such as scarves, shawls, and handbags.
4. Medical textiles: Viscose can also be used in medical textiles such as wound dressings and surgical gowns due to its absorbent and hypoallergenic properties.

Overall, viscose is valued for its affordability, versatility, and soft texture. However, it is important to note that viscose fabric can be prone to shrinking and wrinkling, and it requires careful handling to maintain its quality.

What Different Types of Viscose Are There?

There are several different types of viscose fabric that vary in their manufacturing process and properties. Some of the most common types include:

1. Regular Viscose: This is the most common type of viscose fabric and is made by dissolving cellulose in a solution of caustic soda and carbon disulfide. It has a soft and silky texture and is often used in clothing and home textiles.
2. High Wet Modulus (HWM) Viscose: This type of viscose is made using a modified manufacturing process that involves treating the cellulose with additional chemicals to increase its strength and durability. HWM viscose is often used in applications that require high levels of moisture resistance, such as swimwear and sportswear.
3. Polynosic Viscose: This type of viscose is made using a blend of cellulose and polyester fibers. It has a soft and drapey texture and is often used in clothing such as dresses and blouses.
4. Viscose Rayon: This type of viscose is made using a slightly different manufacturing process that involves treating cellulose with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide. It is known for its high luster and is often used in high-end fashion applications.
5. Bamboo Viscose: This is a type of viscose that is made from bamboo fibers rather than wood pulp. It is often marketed as a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional viscose, although there is debate about its environmental impact.

Viscose Advantages And Disadvantages:

Viscose fabric has several advantages and disadvantages. Some of the key advantages include:

Advantages:

1. Soft and comfortable: Viscose is known for its soft and silky texture, which makes it very comfortable to wear.
2. Versatile: Viscose can be used for a wide range of applications, from clothing to home textiles and medical textiles.
3. Affordable: Viscose is generally more affordable than natural fibers such as silk and cotton.
4. Drapey: Viscose has a beautiful drape, which makes it ideal for clothing that requires flow and movement.
5. Absorbent: Viscose is highly absorbent, which makes it a good choice for applications that require moisture wicking, such as sportswear.

However, viscose fabric also has some disadvantages:

Disadvantages:

1. Prone to shrinkage: Viscose fabric is prone to shrink when washed, which can make it difficult to care for.
2. Wrinkles easily: Viscose fabric also wrinkles easily, which means that it may require ironing or steaming to maintain its appearance.
3. Environmental concerns: The production of viscose fabric can have environmental impacts, including deforestation, pollution, and water usage.
4. Durability issues: Viscose fabric can be prone to pilling and tearing, which means that it may not be as durable as some other fabrics.
5. Limited stretch: Viscose fabric has limited stretch, which means that it may not be suitable for applications that require a lot of stretches, such as sportswear or swimwear.

Viscose Fabric Characteristics:

Viscose fabric has several characteristics that make it a popular choice for clothing, home textiles, and other applications. Some of the key characteristics of viscose fabric include:

1. Softness: Viscose has a soft and silky texture that makes it very comfortable to wear.
2. Drapability: Viscose has a beautiful drape, which means that it flows and moves gracefully.
3. Breathability: Viscose is lightweight and breathable, which makes it ideal for summer clothing.
4. Absorbency: Viscose is highly absorbent, which means that it can wick away moisture and keep the wearer cool and comfortable.
5. Color retention: Viscose has good color retention, which means that it can be dyed in a wide range of colors without losing its vibrancy.
6. Versatility: Viscose can be used for a wide range of applications, from clothing to home textiles and medical textiles.
7. Affordability: Viscose is generally more affordable than natural fibers such as silk and cotton.

However, there are also some characteristics of viscose fabric that should be considered:

1. Shrinkage: Viscose can be prone to shrink when washed, which means that it may require careful handling and washing.
2. Wrinkling: Viscose fabric also wrinkles easily, which means that it may require ironing or steaming to maintain its appearance.
3. Environmental concerns: The production of viscose fabric can have environmental impacts, including deforestation, pollution, and water usage.
4. Durability issues: Viscose fabric can be prone to pilling and tearing, which means that it may not be as durable as some other fabrics.

How Much Does Viscose Cost?

The cost of viscose fabric can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the fabric, the production process, and the country of origin. Generally, viscose fabric is more affordable than natural fibers such as silk and cotton, but it can be more expensive than synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon.

The cost of viscose fabric can also vary depending on the application. For example, viscose fabric used for clothing may be more expensive than viscose fabric used for home textiles or industrial applications.

As an estimate, the cost of viscose fabric can range from $2 to $15 per yard, with some high-end viscose fabrics costing up to $25 per yard or more. The cost of viscose clothing can vary widely depending on the brand and the design, but it is generally considered to be more affordable than clothing made from natural fibers.

Overall, viscose fabric can be a cost-effective choice for a wide range of applications, from clothing to home textiles and beyond.

Read Next: What Is Bamboo Fabric

How Does Viscose Impact the Environment?

The production of viscose can have environmental impacts, including deforestation, pollution, and water usage.

Viscose is derived from cellulose, which is extracted from trees such as eucalyptus, pine, and spruce. The production process involves several steps, including harvesting the trees, dissolving the cellulose into a solution, and spinning it into fibers. The chemicals used in the production process, such as carbon disulfide, can be harmful to the environment and to workers in the industry.

One of the main environmental concerns associated with viscose production is deforestation. The demand for wood pulp to produce viscose has led to the clearing of natural forests and the conversion of natural ecosystems into monoculture tree plantations, which can have negative impacts on biodiversity and local communities.

Another environmental concern associated with viscose production is pollution. The chemicals used in the production process can be released into the air and water, leading to pollution and potential health risks for workers and nearby communities.

Water usage is also a concern, as the production process requires large amounts of water. In some areas, this has led to water shortages and competition with other uses, such as agriculture and drinking water.

There are efforts underway to address the environmental impacts of viscose production, including the development of more sustainable production methods and the use of alternative raw materials such as bamboo and recycled textiles. Consumers can also make a difference by choosing to buy products made from more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.

Final Words

Viscose fabric is a versatile and affordable material that is widely used in clothing, home textiles, and other applications. It has a soft and silky texture, a good drape, and excellent color retention. Viscose is also breathable and absorbent, making it ideal for summer clothing.

However, there are also some environmental concerns associated with the production of viscose, including deforestation, pollution, and water usage. To minimize the environmental impact of viscose production, sustainable production methods, and alternative raw materials are being developed.

Overall, viscose offers a unique combination of characteristics that make it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, but it’s important to consider the potential environmental impacts of its production and usage.