Modal Manufacturing Process
topic
Modal production uses beech wood pulp (FSC-certified) dissolved in 18-19% NaOH, aged to DP 350-450 (higher than viscose 250-350), xanthated with reduced CS₂ (degree of substitution 0.4-0.5 vs. 0.6-0.7 for viscose), ripened, and wet-spun into coagulation bath with controlled stretch (1.2-1.5× vs. 0.8-1.0× for viscose), followed by washing, finishing, and cutting/crimping for staple.
Role
Modified processing parameters produce fibres with 20-30% higher wet strength, 40-50% higher wet modulus, and softer hand compared to regular viscose while maintaining process cost-effectiveness.