Lyocell - a versatile, high performance fibre for nonwovens

6 Lyocell - a versatile, high performance fibre for nonwovens 

The early stages of the commercialisation of lyocell were focused towards the fashion textile apparel sector. However, this has changed during the first years of the twenty-first century so that lyocell is now targeted equally into the industrial sector, with particular emphasis on the key nonwovens markets 

Staple fibre grades are produced to suit carded dry laid, air laid and wet laid processes. The attributes of lyocell fibre are discussed with reference to each of these conversion technologies below. 

Staple fibres provide the starting point for many nonwoven processes. Because the staple-based technologies are so diverse in terms of machinery design and fibre processing requirements, a range of fibre types have been developed to suit individual needs and to ensure optimum conversion efficiencies and fabric properties. 

The benefits in terms of maximum card speed achieved with Tencel HS260, for instance, on the new generation of Thibeau cards are outlined below (Table 5.2). The webs formed in the trials were set at 30g weight. 

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