TENCEL FIBRE- A REVIEW
ABSTRACT :-
In this article, we have reviewed all the important aspects of a Tencel Fiber through a various sources. Brand Name of Tencel is Acordis. It is a staple fiber which is produced from Wood Pulp using a totally recycled solvent spinning technique. It is a Man-made Fiber but Natural as origin. It is a low shrinkage fiber with all benefits like exceptional hand, drape, color intensity, luster, absorbency and biodegradability normally associated with cellulose. In this article, we have looked into applications, advantage, disadvantage and the important properties as well as the environmental impact of the Tencel Fiber. |
| Tencel fiber Raw Material |
INTRODUCTION :-
Tencel is a cellulose fiber derived from a pulp of wood or a fabric made from this fiber. It has more incredible luster and shine. When dyed it takes on the color incredibly well to give a good result. The yarn is made from the fiber which is more stronger, smooth and soft in nature. It is more absorbent than cotton, softer than silk and cooler than linen. Tencel fiber is more expensive than that of cotton fiber and cheaper than silk fiber.MANUFACTURING PROCESS :-
Tencel is a cellulose fiber extracted from wood pulp of Eucalyptus. it also uses 10-20% more water than cotton to produce it. Production process is completely organic. and it made by a wood pulp and special drying process called as ‘Spinning’. Before it is dried the wood chips are mixed with (amine oxide) as organic solvent to produce Wet Mixture. The mixture is pushed through small holes to from threads, which are chemically treated and the length of the fiber is spun into yarn and woven into cloth. |
| Manufacturing Process of Tencel Fiber |
IMPACT OF TENCEL FIBER ON ENVIRONMENT :-
Tencel production has both positive and negative impact on environment. like cotton and bamboo, Tencel is made from plant materials. Manufacturing of Tencel requires less energy and water than cotton. It is a naturally derived fiber and also biodegradable. The wood and pulp are certified and sustainably managed plantation. The solvent used to turn the wood pulp into fiber are made using petrochemicals. It is mixed with conventional dyes, which can be harmful to environment. The main concern with Tencel fabric is the use of energy during the production process.
PROPERTIES OF TENCEL :-
1. Tencel is cellulose fiber regenerated from eucalyptus wood.
2. Tencel fiber has more absorbency than cotton.
3. Tencel is softer than silk, and cooler than linen.
4. Standard Tencel fiber have cut length of 38 mm.
5. The linear density of Standard Tencel fiber ranges from 1.3-2.2 dtex . Micro-Tencel may have a liner density 0.9 dtex while some Tencel fibers are used for filling or technical textile may have a linear density up to 6.7 dtex .
6. Tenacity of Tencel fiber is around 36-37 g/tex in a dry state while 29-30 g/tex in wet state.
7. Tencel fiber has more moisture absorbent properties.
8. Tencel fiber absorbs moisture readily also releases it quickly.
9. Due to smooth fiber surface textile made from Tencel has a feel very soft to skin.
10. The growth of bacteria on Tencel fiber is extremely low as compared to synthetic fibers and cotton.
11. The moisture regain of Tencel fiber is around 13%. High moisture regain prevents electrostatic charging.
12. Tencel fiber have excellent dyeability.
13. Tencel fiber has good abrasion resistance and dimensional stability.
14. Tencel fabrics have good drape properties.
ADVANTAGES OF TENCEL :-
1.Tencel is a fiber made from wood pulp extracted from eucalyptus trees. It does not have any derivatives and chemical effects in the production process. It is relatively healthy and environmentally friendly fabric.
2.Tencel fiber has excellent hygroscopicity and overcomes the weakness of ordinary viscose fiber, especially the low wet strength.
3.The strength is similar to that of polyester. The wet strength is higher than that of cotton fiber, and the wet modulus is also higher than cotton.
4.Tencel fiber has more luster and is smooth and very comfortable.
5.Tencel has silky unique touch, elegant drape and feels smooth.
6.Tencel fiber have good breathability and good moisture permeability
DISADVANTAGES OF TENCEL :-
1. Tencel fabric has more strong sensitivity to temperature and it is easy to harden in hot and humid environment, and the picking property in cold water is not better.
2. The cross section of Tencel is uniform but fiber is weak and has no elasticity.
3. The price of the Tencel fabric is more expensive that off cotton fabric but cheaper than silk fabric.
4. Tencel will shrink (approx. 3%) after its first wash but retain its shape after that.
COMPARISONS OF TENCEL FIBRE WITH OTHERS :-
 |
| Compare chain cycle of Tencel & Cotton |
PARAMETER | TENCEL | VISCOSE | COTTON | POLYESTER |
TENACITY (g/tex) | 36-37 | 23-25 | 21-24 | 35-40 |
ELONGATION (%) | 14-16 | 17-25 | 5-10 | 15-30 |
WET TENACITY (cN/tex) | 29-30 | 10-14 | 25-30 | 50-55 |
WET ELONGATION(%) | 16-18 | 25-30 | 10-15 | 25-30 |
WATER IMBIBITIONS (%) | 65 | 90 | 50 | 3 |
LINEAR DENSITY (dtex) | 1.3-2.2 | 1.7 | _ | 1.7 |
LUSTER | HIGH LUSTER | BRIGHT OR DULL | NATURAL LUSTER | BRIGHT |
APPLICATIONS OF TENCEL FIBER :-
1. CARPETS
2. TOWELS
3. BED MATTRESS
4. BED SHEETS
5. BLANKETS
6. FOOTWEAR
7. SPORTS WEAR
8. GENERAL APPARELS
9. DENIMS
10.SHIRTING
11.LADIES WEAR
CONCLUSIONS :-
Tencel fiber is exceptionally comfortable and soft, and it is made from eucalyptus Wood Pulp. It is bio-degradable and ecofriendly fiber. Tencel fiber is bacteria resistant and also helps to regulate body temperature to remain warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
REFERENCE :-
1.http://www.thetextilethinktank.org/important-properties-tencel-fibers/.
2.http://m.hzfytextile.com/news/advantage-and-disadvantage-of-tencel-fabric-20247236.html
3.http://www.google.co.in/amp/s/florafibersyarn.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/an-introduction-to-tencel/amp/
4.Manufactured fiber technology by V.B.GUPTA and V.K.KOTHARI.
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