Lyocell data sheet.

Characteristics / options defined by the above graphs are proportionally represented and approximate,
and are only intended as a guide. As such they do not represent any industry standards. Among other
things, fabric construction and weight will influence the perceived ranking.

Data Sheet for Lyocell

General	Regenerated Cellulose fibre. Lyocell fibres are produced through an environmentally friendly solvent process. There is very little solvent loss during the process and the water consumption is a fraction of that associated with the production of cotton. Lyocell fibres are strong with a circular cross section and a smooth surface. While some variants have a tendency to fibrillate, this property is used to good advantage in the development of specialised surface effects. Fibrillation resistant variants are also available using similar technologies to those used in the treatment of easy care cotton.
Available as:	100% and blended yarns. Lyocell fibres can be obtained as 100% yarns or blended. In addition to woven fabrics, lyocell is supplied as non-woven fabrics suitable for inter-linings. Woven fabrics manufactured from blended yarns with cotton or polyester may contain typically 50-65% lyocell. These would be in the range 130- 250gsm. Knitted double pique fabrics 230gsm are also available.
Colouration	Easy to dye using cellulose dyes. Lyocell does not suffer from the presence of residual sulphur compounds in the way that other regenerated cellulose fibres do and therefore the need for specialised bleaching prior to dyeing is less critical. Cross linked lyocell (the low fibrillating variant) is ideally treated with hydrogen peroxide with peracetic acid. Dyeing can be carried out in the same way as other cellulose fibres such as cotton. High temperature processing can be undertaken.
Dimensional Stability	Good stability. The dimensional stability of lyocell fabrics is good and when blended with other fibres can help to stabilise their dimensional stability. When wet the fibres will swell significantly, however original dimensions will be regained when the fibres dry.
Resistance to pilling	Can be susceptible to pilling. Wet abrasion of lyocell fibres can result in fibrillation and pilling can form around the fibrillated materials. Modified version of lyocell which are more resistant are available.
Moisture regain	Very high regain. Lyocell fibres have the ability to absorb up to 25% moisture at 65% RH, approximately three times that of cotton and twice that of wool.
Care information	Low temperature washing is preferred. It is important to follow fabric suppliers recommendations when it comes to the laundering of lyocell. Garments (fabric) may be suitable for either machine washing or dry-cleaning. Machine washable lyocell can be washed at low temperature and tumble dried. It should be removed from the drier as soon as it is dry. If ironing is required, use a moderately warm iron. Lyocell has been shown to be as durable as cotton under industrial laundering conditions up to 75°C.
Applications	Mostly as woven fabrics. Currently lyocell fibres are not widely used in corporate clothing. As a cellulose based fibre it is able to provide many of the attributes associated with cotton and is a strong fibre. Ideally suited for woven fabrics used in shirting fabrics, lyocell is also available in non-woven fabrics that would find applications in interfacings in suiting. Applications in leisure wear (polo shirts), knitwear and shirts
End of life Possibilities	Can be disposed of using all end of life opportunities. Lyocell is 100% cellulose and as such it is biodegradable. The fibre has also the potential for re-use and remanufacture. Where used as 100% lyocell there is the possibility of using the fabrics as a raw material for regenerated cellulose fibre production. When present in blends, the end of life options are reduced. The re-use of the non-woven lyocell fabrics will depend on the way they have been manufactured. Low fibrillation variants of lyocell may be resistant to the regeneration processes and therefore may not be suitable feedstock for these processes. These low fibrillation fibres are also considered to be more resistant to biodegradation. Composting, incineration and landfill can all be used as end of life options.
Eco aspects	Considered to be an environmentally friendly fibre. It is produced from a solvent spinning process that recovers the majority(99.6%) of the solvent used and the process uses very little water, most being recycled within the process.
Cost scope (economic impact)	Currently being developed commercially for the corporatewear market and data are not available.
Common trade names	Tencel
Alternatives	Seen as an alternative to existing fibres.
Specialists	Lenzing Fibers Limited 1 Pride Point Drive Pride Park Derby Derbyshire UK DE24 8BX Phone: +44 (0)1332 546 740 Fax: +44 (0)1332 546 741
©	Oakdene Hollins Ltd., 2009 for the CRR Uniform Reuse Project www.uniformreuse.co.uk