What is Cuprammonium Fiber?

Cuprammonium fiber is a type of regenerated cellulose fiber. It belongs to the same category as viscose, modal, and lyocell fibers (such as Tencel), all of which are derived from natural cellulose (primarily sourced from wood pulp or cotton linter). However, cuprammonium fiber employs a unique production process-the cuprammonium method-which distinguishes it from other regenerated cellulose fibers in terms of performance, texture, and applications, particularly in high-end textiles.

Production Process of Cuprammonium Fiber

The manufacturing process of cuprammonium fiber differs from other regenerated cellulose fibers. It involves dissolving cellulose in a cuprammonium solution and then forming fibers through spinning. The specific steps are as follows:

1. Dissolution: Natural cellulose pulp is dissolved in a cuprammonium solution to form a viscous spinning dope.

2. Spinning: The spinning dope is extruded through spinnerets into a coagulation bath (typically a dilute acid or water), where the cellulose regenerates and forms fibers.

3. Post-treatment: The fibers undergo washing, copper removal, bleaching, and other processes to produce the final cuprammonium fiber.

Compared to viscose fiber (which uses alkali and carbon disulfide, resulting in higher pollution), the cuprammonium method allows for solvent recycling. However, it still faces challenges with copper ion emissions, making it less environmentally friendly than the NMMO solvent method used for lyocell (a closed-loop process with minimal pollution).

Characteristics of Cuprammonium Fiber

Cuprammonium fiber boasts the following outstanding features, making it highly sought after in high-end textiles:

- Ultra-fine and uniform: The fiber diameter can be as small as 1μm, finer than ordinary viscose fibers and close to silk, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and soft texture.

- Elegant luster: The fiber surface is smooth, with a natural and gentle sheen reminiscent of silk.

- Moisture-absorbent and breathable: Its cellulose structure provides excellent moisture absorption (with a moisture regain rate of about 11%, similar to cotton), making it ideal for贴身garments.

- Anti-static: The fiber has good conductivity, reducing static buildup and enhancing comfort.

- Biodegradable: As a derivative of natural cellulose, cuprammonium fiber is biodegradable, aligning with eco-friendly trends.

However, cuprammonium fiber has relatively low strength, especially when wet, making it less durable than lyocell fiber.

Primary Applications of Cuprammonium Fiber

Thanks to its unique properties, cuprammonium fiber is widely used in the following areas:

- High-end garment linings: It is commonly used for linings in suits, coats, and jackets due to its smooth, non-stick texture, which enhances wearing comfort.

- Underwear and sleepwear: Its softness, skin-friendliness, and breathability make it a preferred material for premium underwear.

- Hosiery: Ultra-fine cuprammonium fibers are used to produce lightweight, sheer stockings that resist snagging.

- Knitwear: Blended with cotton or wool, it improves the softness and drape of T-shirts and sweaters.

- Medical textiles: Used in surgical gowns and dressings for its biocompatibility and biodegradability.

Comparison with Other Regenerated Cellulose Fibers

1. Compared to viscose fiber.

- Cuprammonium fiber is finer and more uniform, with a texture closer to silk, while viscose tends to be slightly rougher.

- Cuprammonium fiber has a more natural luster, whereas viscose can appear overly shiny.

- Viscose is cheaper to produce but more polluting (due to sulfur-containing wastewater).

2. Compared to lyocell fiber (e.g., Tencel).

- Lyocell uses the eco-friendly NMMO solvent method, making its production greener, while cuprammonium still faces copper pollution issues.

- Lyocell has significantly higher dry and wet strength, making it more durable.

- Cuprammonium fiber retains advantages in smoothness and drape, making it suitable for high-end fashion.

Future Development Trends

Although cuprammonium fiber holds a niche in the high-end market, its environmental impact remains a challenge. Future efforts may focus on improving copper recovery technology and reducing emissions. Additionally, as demand for sustainable textiles grows, cuprammonium fiber may be combined with eco-friendly fibers like lyocell to develop new materials that balance performance and sustainability.

In summary, cuprammonium fiber is a premium textile choice, prized for its silk-like texture, moisture management, and comfort. Despite its limitations in durability and environmental impact, its value in fashion, medical treatment, and other fields remains irreplaceable.