Bamboo rayon is another term for bamboo viscose. It’s a fabric made from bamboo plant fibers that’s spun and combed till yarn is generated. Bamboo viscose is also known as regenerated bamboo because it is the first generation of bamboo fabric. Modal and lyocell are the next two materials.
Bamboo viscose has a higher price tag when compared to other cellulose fabrics. Nonetheless, the rayon fabric’s softness and breathability make it worthwhile to spend the extra money. The sustainability and durability of bamboo viscose fabric sets it apart from other materials.
French industrialist Hilaire de Chardonnet came up with the first-ever viscose fiber. The initial bamboo viscose fabric was taken off the market when they discovered its high flammability. Nowadays, bamboo fabric can be found on a variety of items, mostly in the bedroom and clothing department.
Bamboo is a plant that is both natural and environmentally friendly. It’s found in fabrics and home goods. It has incredible qualities as a very sustainable crop that grows quickly without the use of fertilizer, pesticides, labor, or additional water.
China is the world’s greatest bamboo producer, followed by India. However, there is no guarantee that the bamboo grown there is environmentally friendly. Without regulations, intensive bamboo production can be harmful to the environment.
The manufacture of bamboo viscose is often hazardous. Chemicals such as carbon disulfide, sulfuric acid, ammonia, acetone, or caustic soda are required. These extremely dangerous compounds pollute the environment and endanger the health of workers.
If bamboo viscose is worn frequently, it might be a highly dangerous fabric. Its manufacture spills harmful gas and chemicals into drinking water, soil, and the atmosphere. It devastates ecosystems and causes the extinction of flora and animals.
Fortunately, important players in the fashion sector are attempting to develop new eco-friendly bamboo viscose manufacturing technologies. They’re aiming for non-toxic solvents, recyclable materials, and biodegradability
Where does bamboo viscose come from?
Bamboo fabric is almost certain to come from the cellulose or pulp of the bamboo wood, given its name. There may also be eucalyptus viscose, sugar cane viscose, and beech viscose present. Because all these fibers are generated in the same way, it can be confusing if a bamboo fabric product merely says it is made of viscose and does not specify the wood source.
The bamboo viscose will be extracted from the plant and treated in diluted sodium hydroxide to produce a pulpy material. A proportion of 7 to 15 percent bamboo cellulose to 5 percent sodium hydroxide is required for the fiber to be viscous enough.
Multiple times, this solution will be fermented, filtered, and degassed. It will then be pumped through spinneret nozzles into a big container of diluted sulphuric acid. The viscose fibers stiffen at this phase. The bamboo fiber filaments are then created.
The Moso bamboo plant provided most of the bamboo viscose fibers. Furthermore, most of them are farmed, processed, and produced in China.
This is where the procedure for bamboo viscose comes to an end. However, if you are seeking for modal or lyocell bamboo textiles, expect to go through a few more steps in the manufacturing process. The contrasts between the three are detailed below.
Advantages of Bamboo Viscose Bamboo
viscose is popular because of its soft texture, which is less likely to pit than cotton. Aside from its soft feel, bamboo viscose has the following advantages over other fabrics:
Properties That Regulate the Thermology
Because of its outstanding breathability, bamboo viscose is very popular. It keeps you cool during scorching summer days and if you get nighttime hot flashes.
Wicking The Moisture
Bamboo has a stronger moisture-wicking ability than cotton since it is four times more absorbent. Because of this property, the bamboo fabric will absorb a lot of water and feel heavy when hung up to dry after washing. However, it dries quickly, so it should not be a problem
Properties Antibacterial
Bamboo fabric is also recognized for its antibacterial capabilities, which help to keep odors at bay. This is an excellent option for people who have problems with body odor. It will help keep your bed smelling fresh if applied on pillows and sheets.
Hypoallergenic
Cotton can cause allergy reactions in some people due to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
Disadvantages of Bamboo Viscose
Just like any other fabric, bamboo viscose has its drawbacks. Some of the disadvantages of utilizing bamboo cloth include:
Very Expensive
Bamboo cloth is more expensive than its equivalent in other fabrics. This is understandable given the complex procedure it goes through. Even still, many people are willing to overpay for the sake of convenience.
High Maintenance
If you plan to buy bamboo viscose clothing, bedding, or pillows, keep in mind that they will demand additional care when washing. To begin, bamboo cloth should not be washed with other textiles. This will keep lint from adhering to the fibers of your bamboo viscose. Aside from that, bamboo cloth should only be washed in cold water.
Apparels
In the fashion sector, this one has been gaining favor. Bamboo fabric clothing is well-known for its cooling properties as well as its variety of patterns. Dresses, tees, nightgowns, bathrobes, and more may all be made using it. Due to its airy nature, it is also a great choice for intimate clothes like swimming suits, underwear, and cover-ups. Bamboo clothing is more durable and offers a variety of advantages. If you are going to buy bamboo apparel, make sure the fabric is genuine.
Medical And Sanitary Supplies
Yes, bamboo viscose is utilized in several sanitary products and medical supplies, which may surprise you. Medical masks, sanitary towels, absorbent pads, gauze, and surgical gear are just a few examples.
Non-woven
Other useful things made from non-woven bamboo cloth include sanitary napkins and food-grade packaging. The viscosity of the fibers is used in these items before they are spun and converted into thread. Non-woven bamboo cloth is still soft and antimicrobial. It is for this reason that it is employed in private spaces.
Conclusion
Bamboo viscose fabric is a great substitute for cotton, linen, and silk fabrics. It has a soft, comfortable feel to it without losing breathability or durability. Although it is more expensive than other common fabrics, it is well worth the expenditure.
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