Mechanically re-fiberized cotton spun into yarn is referred to as regenerated yarn or cotton. Fibers woven or kitted from yarns are the feed source which is increasingly attracting widespread interest as the next generation of the fiber-reinforced composite. Cotton is regenerated by processing through machines that tear the materials apart. However, these materials are not re-fiberized completely and, in some cases, parts of the woven or knitted fabric remain intact. Hence all regenerated cotton also known as “shoddy” is the same. Most regenerated cotton is produced from traditional woven and knitted cotton fabrics. These fabrics are produced by spinning virgin cotton fibers into a yarn and then the yarn is woven or knitted into fabric. Afterward, these fabrics are scoured and purified to make them white and absorbent.
What are the properties of Regenerated Fibers?
The properties of regenerated fibers sourced from plants are similar to those of cotton. Some of them are listed below:
1. They are highly absorbent, hence absorbs all the sweat in summers keeping you dry and cool.
2. They are easily washable and also dries easily and quickly.
3. The fabric is soft to touch.
4. Regenerated fabric is smooth on the skin and easy to carry around.
5. Being soft and smooth on the skin, the regenerated fabric is comfortable to wear.
6. They have good drape.
Use of Regenerated Fibers
Taking the properties into consideration, regenerated fibers are widely used for clothing purposes. However, when given different finishes, regenerated fabrics give a smooth and shiny texture to the clothing. Regenerated yarns are widely used for fashion clothing, lingeries, and trimmings such as ribbons.
With the advancement in the manufacturing industry, regenerated fibers are used in protective clothing and breathable fabrics and in items for medical use.
Along with cotton and silk, regenerated fibers are also widely used in non-implantable materials and healthcare/hygiene products. Various specific applications require to use of unique characteristics that regenerated fibers. Like regenerated fibers, other fibers used in medical applications must be non-toxic, non-allergenic, non-carcinogenic, and able to be sterilized easily without changing their characteristics.
BOTTOM LINE
Regenerated fibers are found to be used everywhere in the textile industry, alone or blended with other natural or synthetic fibers. Because of the high absorbing properties, tensile strength, smoothness, and anti-microbial qualities, regenerated fibers are used from sportswear to health care textiles. Additionally, jackets, blazers, and suits which have a high-quality appearance and moisture permeability are also manufactured from regenerated fibers blended with wool, polyester, or acrylic fibers. Hence, to fulfill a large number of applications, regenerated fibers need to be produced at a large scale with green technologies and sustainability. However, there is an ongoing evaluation of production techniques and procedures since the development of the first such man-made fiber.
