Lyocell (Tencel)
category
Lyocell is produced via direct dissolution of cellulose in N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) at 95-120°C, followed by dry-jet wet spinning, offering a closed-loop, environmentally superior process with >99% solvent recovery. Tencel is Lenzing's branded lyocell with annual capacity of 400,000+ tonnes.
Role
Represents the most sustainable regenerated cellulose fibre with superior mechanical properties, fibrillation characteristics, and environmental credentials compared to viscose.
Subtopics
- Lyocell Manufacturing Process and Technology Lyocell process: (1) cellulose pulp dissolved in 76% NMMO at 95-120°C for 2-4 hours forming 10-15% s…
- Lyocell Structure and Properties Lyocell exhibits: cellulose II structure, crystallinity 40-50% (higher than viscose), DP 400-600, te…
- Lyocell Fibrillation Behavior and Control Lyocell's characteristic fibrillation occurs under mechanical stress in wet state, where surface mic…
- Lyocell Environmental and Sustainability Profile Environmental advantages: >99% NMMO recovery (closed-loop), no toxic emissions, water consumption 30…
- Lyocell vs. Viscose and Modal Comparison Versus viscose: lyocell offers 50-80% higher wet strength, 2-3× higher modulus, better dimensional s…
- Lyocell in Apparel and Fashion Textiles Applications include: premium denim (softness, breathability, 20-50% blends with cotton), activewear…
- Lyocell in Technical and Industrial Applications Technical applications: medical textiles (wound dressings, surgical textiles—biocompatibility, absor…
- Lyocell Blends and Combinations Common blends: lyocell/cotton (50:50 to 70:30 in denim, shirting—combines sustainability, strength, …
- Lyocell Dyeing and Finishing Processes Dyeing with reactive dyes (60-70% of applications—excellent wash fastness, bright shades), direct dy…
- Lyocell Future Developments and Innovations Innovations: Refibra technology (50% recycled cotton/textile waste with wood pulp), nanofibrillated …