Veocel (Biosoft)

Viscose fiber, made from wood pulp with a fine fiber size and soft hand. This fiber has been designed and fabricated such that it has inherent properties of water repellency (hydrophobic) and oil absorption (oleophillic) simultaneously. The surface tension of the fiber has been lowered to 30 mN/m (30γ dyn/cm), compared to standard viscose having a surface tension of 90 mN/m (90γ dyn/cm). Lowering the surface tension of a substrate creates liquid repellency properties for fluids that have a greater surface tension than the material they are in contact with. This also serves to improve fluid retention and distribution of oils and lotions in wet textile products. Viscose fibers are produced through wet spinning, often referred to as the rayon process. Wood pulp is harvested and dissolved into a liquid solution, then extruded through a chemical bath that removes the solvent and creates a continuous cellulose fiber. Tuning of the chemistry involved in fabrication, a fiber with lower surface energy than standard viscose fibers has been achieved. Currently the fiber is offered as a white staple fiber with a length of 38 mm (1.5 in) and thickness of 1.7 dtex (1.53 denier). Blending and layering with other natural and synthetic fibers can be customized to achieve desired performance attributes and tune liquid interaction. The fiber is compatible with an range of processes, primarily nonwoven fabrications with a focus on hydroentagling to capitalize on the softness and improved embossability. Environmental testing and third party certifications include: compostability verification DIN CERTCO and Vincotte OK compost HOME, European Ecolabel, Oeko-Tex standard 100- product class 1 and FSC Certification of pulp sourcing form sustainably managed forests. Applications include wipes, feminine hygiene, diapers, home care and medical dressings.