There are dozens of different types of fabrics. Along with more or less familiar varieties, "exotic" variants appear all the time. With one of them, and it's time to figure it out.
What it is?
Tensel is nothing else than the trade name of Lyocell Matter. Environmental protection is considered an attractive feature. Despite the novelty, Tensel managed to become a full-fledged alternative to silk and cotton. This fabric was developed in the second half of the 1980s by English textile workers. In just 10 years, the product went from an entirely new product to a world-famous brand, and the technologists who created lyocell were even awarded for their contribution to nature conservation.
Textile of the brand Tensel can be soft or silky, in the second case it also has a characteristic gloss. The chemical composition of the fabric may vary significantly. If, apart from tencel, there are no other fibers, the matter will be very expensive. But combine it with other fabrics, not only to reduce prices.
Often they strive to make the products more simple, and therefore they add:
- viscose;
- wool threads;
- cotton;
- bamboo.
Composition
In addition to 100% pure fiber, there are its modifications, mixed:
- clap;
- modal;
- elastane and other substances.
The addition of synthetic fiber is designed to increase the strength of manufactured products. But in everyday clothes the most widespread is still completely natural tensel. Its increased price is justified by long-term comfort in the most demanding conditions. To be sure of the full naturalness of the fabric, you must carefully check the labels, including from the wrong side.
This is especially significant when choosing bed linen, because there is virtually unacceptable synthetics.
Manufacturing
To make a tencel, Australian eucalyptus that grows in the cleanest areas of the continent has to be turned into chips. They are taken only from special farms, because in the wild there are no guarantees of safety.
Production steps:
- the wood is crushed, then treated with an organic solvent;
- the resulting homogeneous mass is forced through the holes of a specific configuration;
- under the influence of such a broach and carefully selected reagents threads are formed;
- the fiber is dried.
In the process of processing the mass of pulp practically does not change chemically. Fiber acquires valuable property - increased resistance to wear.
This allows you to apply it:
- in car filters;
- as a fabric for various covers;
- in abrasive materials.
It should be noted that eucalyptus raw materials are not the only possible option in the production of tencel. It can be obtained from other types of wood. But they are less practical. Similar in composition fiber do and in Russian factories.
Advantages and disadvantages
Tensel, as follows from the description of its scope, is practically universal. Due to the change in the technological regime, it is possible to make both thin material and fabric with a volumetric texture out of it. At the same time in the production process does not apply hazardous substances. Subsequently, household items made of tencel decompose under natural conditions, without causing harm to living organisms. Pleasant appearance and rich colors are created without the use of synthetic dyes.
An important advantage of Tensel is its comfort (both in terms of tactile attitude, and due to unimpeded air penetration). The fabric made of these fibers does not accumulate charges of static electricity, the appearance of microorganism colonies is also excluded. Tensel is practically not torn, because both are strong and elastic.
If clothes are made of this matter, then it saves heat in cold weather and will be comfortable even in extreme heat. Tensel differs enviable hygroscopicity, besides it does not form the pellets. The attractive side of the fabric is the minimal risk of allergic reactions and long-term operation. However, one has to remember about the high prices of the tensel and that it “sits down” a little when used.
Where does it apply?
Tensel can be used in many different areas.
It is equally easy to make from it:
- daily clothes;
- holiday outfit;
- Underwear.
But this does not end the use of tencel. He willingly take the manufacturers of terry textile, sleeping sets of the highest quality, sports equipment. Moreover, tensel is widely in demand in the manufacture of cables, various ropes. It produces excellent dressings. However, still such an application of the Australian product is not the most massive, much more often household textiles are made of it.
A quilt made of tensel seems completely weightless, while at the same time ensuring its softness and tenderness. Under such a blanket, people sleep easier. The infection of matter with microscopic mites is excluded. You can also use pillows with a filler from tensel - they guarantee comfort and health. Such products are equally well suited for adults and children, it has excellent design properties.
Bed linen made from a similar fabric is deservedly considered a wonderful gift. Even after many years, it retains its original qualities. As for clothes made from tencel, the advice of experts is one - it is best to use it in summer.
Matter is perfect for beautiful women's dresses, as well draped. In this embodiment, you can reveal all the aesthetic advantages of products.
Comparison with other materials
It is useful to compare tensel with other fabrics on the example of bed linen. It is precisely to him that the strictest demands are made. And because if you can use the fabric for this area, then in the composition of the clothes it will be completely safe. First, it is worth understanding that the question of which fabric is better - satin or tensel does not make sense. After all, satin is not a particular fabric, but a method of processing it, or rather, a kind of interlacing of fibers.
By their characteristics, however, they are quite similar. The difference is mainly related to the price of such materials. Tensel is better than even first-class cotton, suitable for people with high skin sensitivity. Foci of bacterial infection appear much less frequently in it. That is why the bedding of the Australian matter is recommended to anyone who has money.
Comparison with other tissues shows that the tensel:
- softness is like silk;
- in terms of strength and service life is not inferior to flax;
- as sweet as flax;
- efficiently warms, like wool matters.
Care features
Important! All general recommendations should be applied only secondarily. Most relevant are the prescriptions that the manufacturer has issued on the label. However, the practice of using eucalyptus matter allows to give certain tips that are suitable in most cases. Thus, certain types of material allow exceptionally dry cleaning. Even if washing is possible, liquid cleaners are preferable to powders.
Water for washing should be heated to a maximum of 30 degrees. It is best to wash the tensel not in the machine, but manually. If, however, erase in the machine, you must use the program without spinning. In any case, when the thing is washed, it is necessary to dry it properly. Otherwise, it is likely to be affected by mold.
Ironing tencel even the best irons are not recommended. Here you will need to use steamers. If things are left for long-term storage, they should be placed in special bags or covers. Direct exposure to sunlight is unacceptable, it inevitably leads to fading.
Testimonials are generally favorable. As always, you need to carefully sort things by color before washing. It is categorically unacceptable to wash Australian fabric with polyester. Their fibers can interlock with each other. As a result, the tencel is crumpled (which should not be normal with it), it loses its softness.
Important! In order for the wash to proceed efficiently, but not to damage the fabric, it is necessary to load the machine only half. If you have to iron products from the Australian fiber, you must first moisten them a little. This technique allows you to simplify ironing and do the job more carefully. It is usually recommended to iron from the inside, setting the temperature not higher than 150 degrees. At observance of all recommendations long service life is guaranteed.
Review of bed linen from tensel in the video below.
