tencel cotton interweave fabric

Early History of Synthetic Fiber

For most of human history, fibers for fabric have been obtained either from animals or from plants. Wool jackets and cotton shirts have been worn since prehistoric times. In the 1890s the first artificial fiber was developed. Viscose, also known as artificial silk, is a cellulose-based fiber as is rayon, which was discovered in in 1924. While these fibers are considered artificial, they are not completely synthetic as they are made from natural cellulose.

The Nylon Breakthrough

The first completely synthetic fiber was nylon. Invented just before World War II, it became renown for its use in women's stockings rather than for its military uses in rope, parachutes and clothing. By 1941 polyester fibers came into existence. During the next 60 years there were manyimprovements based on these fibers and the fabrics that can be made from them. Dacron, terelyne and micro fibers are a few examples.

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How Artificial Fibers are Made

Artificial and synthetic fibers are made through a process called extrusion. The liquid cellulose or synthetic polymer is forced through very small holes (spinnerets) into the air where the fibers are created. They can be made relatively thick or down to a very thin 4 microns.

What is Tencel?

Lyocell, commercially known as Tencel in the United States, is an artificial fiber made from wood pulp cellulose. As it is made from wood pulp harvested from tree farms, it is a renewable, environmentally friendly material. Although it is a manufactured fiber it is considered natural and as such is biodegradable. It is dissolved in a nontoxic recyclable dissolving agent.

Tencel Fabric

Fabric can either be made completely from Tencel or combined with other materials to reduce costs. Fabric made from short Tencel fibers has a feel very much like cotton. It does, however, resist wrinkling and does not shrink. Longer Tencel fibers give fabric a smooth, silky feel. These fabrics fall beautifully and can be used in elegant formal wear.

Problems with Tencel Fabric

Tencel has a low surface energy, meaning that dyes don't bind well. This can cause fading. Also, although Tencel fibers themselves are eco-friendly, some manufacturers use processes such as enzyme baths, chemical processes, and dye treatments that are in no way "green." These chemical treatments can cause allergies in people with sensitivities.