Viscose

Viscose is a regenerated cellulosic fibre made from wood pulp, occupying a position between natural cotton and synthetic polyester. It offers the absorbency and comfort of a cellulosic with a fluid drape and surface lustre closer to silk. Ashelby International supplies viscose staple fibre for fashion fabrics, home textiles and blended yarns.

We supply viscose in deniers of 1.2 to 3.3 with cut lengths of 32 to 120mm and tenacity of 2.0 to 2.5 cN/dtex. Elongation runs 18 to 25 per cent. The tenacity figure is the one to plan around: viscose is markedly weaker than polyester and somewhat weaker than cotton, and it loses further strength when wet. This is why viscose is frequently blended rather than used alone in constructions that must survive industrial laundering.

What viscose contributes is hand feel and drape. The fibre has high moisture absorbency, takes dye readily to produce deep saturated shades, and falls with a fluidity that cotton cannot match at equivalent weight. In blends with polyester it softens an otherwise flat handle; with cotton it adds lustre and drape.

Typical applications include fashion fabrics, linings, home textiles and non-woven media. Where the end use involves repeated washing, we will usually recommend a blend rather than 100 per cent viscose -- tell us the intended care regime with your enquiry.