Overview of Viscose Fiber Fabrics

Viscose fabric is a textile material produced by weaving viscose fibers. Also known as "wood Tencel," it is an eco-friendly fabric well-suited for sportswear. Thanks to its unique nano-helical molecular structure-which acts like a network of air channels across the fabric's surface-it ensures ample oxygen circulation and effectively locks in moisture, thereby offering excellent moisture-regulating properties . It is characterized by its softness, smoothness, breathability, anti-static properties, and vibrant dye uptake.
Viscose fiber is a regenerated cellulose fiber produced via the viscose process; it constitutes one of the major categories of man-made fibers. Depending on the manufacturing process, fiber structure, and performance characteristics, it can be broadly classified into four types: ordinary fibers, high wet modulus fibers, high-tenacity fibers, and specialty fibers [4]. The primary constituent of viscose fiber is cellulose; while its molecular structural formula is identical to that of cotton fiber, its degree of polymerization is lower than that of cotton. In 1891, Cross, Bevan, and Beadle invented the sodium cellulose xanthate solution; by 1893, this had evolved into a viable method for manufacturing cellulose fibers, and by 1895, industrial-scale production was successfully achieved. From 1900 to 1935, viscose fibers underwent a period of differentiated development, giving rise to varieties such as cuprammonium rayon and protein fibers. Between 1935 and 1945, viscose fabric production reached a massive scale, effectively addressing the shortage in the supply of natural fibers. Following World War II, viscose fabric experienced the first peak of its product lifecycle; subsequently, in the 1970s, high wet modulus viscose fibers were developed. In 1992, however, the growing emphasis on sustainable development principles led to a decline in viscose fabric production capacity, resulting in the closure of numerous viscose manufacturing enterprises across the globe.

Viscose fiber was one of the very first fibers to be put into industrial-scale production. Due to its excellent moisture absorption, wearing comfort, and superior spinnability, it is frequently blended or interwoven with cotton, wool, or various synthetic fibers for use in a wide array of clothing and decorative textile applications. High-tenacity viscose fibers are also utilized in industrial products, such as tire cords and conveyor belts. Furthermore, viscose fabric finds application in the medical field-for instance, in wound dressings and surgical gowns-owing to its inherent water-absorbency and sterilization compatibility. Viscose fiber remains a widely utilized and versatile textile fiber.