A new form of cellulosic fiber, Lyocell is starting to find uses in the
nonwovens industry. Lyocell is manufactured using a solvent spinning
process, and is produced by only two companies -- Acordis and Lenzing
AG. To produce Lyocell, wood cellulose is dissolved directly in n-methyl
morpholine n-oxide at high temperature and pressure. The cellulose
precipitates in fiber form as the solvent is diluted, and can then be
purified and dried. The solvent is recovered and reused. Lyocell has all
the advantages of rayon, and in many respects is superior. It has high
strength in both dry and wet states, high absorbency, and can
fibrillate under certain conditions. In addition, the closed-loop
manufacturing process is far more environmentally friendly than that
used to manufacture rayon, although it is also more costly.