cellulosafiber

Cellulose fiber, sometimes written as cellulosafiber, refers to fibers composed primarily of cellulose, the natural polymer in plant cell walls. It includes natural plant fibers such as cotton, linen, hemp, and jute, as well as regenerated fibers made from cellulose, including viscose (rayon), modal, lyocell, and cellulose acetate.

Natural cellulose fibers come from plants and are made of cellulose arranged in crystalline microfibrils. They are breathable, moisture-absorbent, and soft, with properties varying by species and processing. They can be strong but may wrinkle.

Regenerated cellulose fibers are produced by dissolving cellulose in a solvent to form a dope, then extruding and regenerating it into solid fibers. Examples include viscose, modal, and lyocell. Viscose historically used carbon disulfide; lyocell uses a closed-loop solvent system that improves environmental performance.

Uses include clothing and home textiles, due to softness and drape; they are also used in nonwovens, medical dressings, filtration, and certain composites. Regenerated cellulose fibers are commonly biodegradable under proper conditions.

Environmental and sustainability notes: natural cellulose fibers are renewable and generally biodegradable. Regenerated fibers vary in impact depending on processing; newer methods aim to reduce solvent use and emissions. All cellulose fibers can shed microfibers during washing, which may require washing controls.