Someone wanted to know what lyocell was-I only know because I had never heard of it. But basically, it is a breathable like cotton and is made from processed wood pulp from mashed up paper, mixed with solvent which alters the structure of the wood pulp so it can be spun. The solvent is then completely extracted so it is quite a natural fibre and feels very much like a good quality cotton jersey. Here are more details:
One of the great selling points of lyocell is the environmentally friendly nature of the manufacturing process. The raw material is low-grade recycled paper. The solvent is almost completely recycled, with almost no losses to the environment. This has as much to do with the fact that it is highly toxic and costs about £15,000 per tonne, as it has to do with any environmental altruism on the part of the manufacturers.
It is very strong when wet - stronger than cotton. It also doesn't stretch or shrink when wetted or dried, unlike cotton or viscose.
The main disadvantage of lyocell fibre is its relatively low surface energy, which makes it difficult for dyes to bind to it. This is not to say it is impossible to dye - but the dyes required are more expensive. This tends to make the finished product more expensive.
It also has a tendency to fibrillate during processing and wearing. Fibrillation is what causes the effect known as 'pilling', where small balls of fibre form on the surface.
However, this is a relatively small price to pay for the unusual properties of this fibre.
So Who Invented it?
The original process was devised by Akzo Nobel and then licensed to Courtaulds during the 1970s. Akzo Nobel weren't in a position to develop it further and Courtaulds then developed a stable and controlled process to produce the first lyocell fibre in the late 1980s - their brand name is 'Tencel'.
Subsequent work by Courtaulds led to the development of Tencel A100. This is a non-fibrillating version of Tencel. Dye yields for Tencel A100 are excellent in comparison to other fibres including standard Tencel, cotton, viscose and most other fibres, producing brighter and more vibrant colours through using less dye. Colourfastness is also good.
So now you know!