Nylon is a popular synthetic fabric that’s been used in clothing and other products for decades. But recently, some people have begun to look for environmentally friendly alternatives.
Tencel is a relatively new fiber that is more eco-friendly than nylon. Tencel is made from natural resources and does not contain harmful chemicals. Unlike nylon, Tencel is naturally anti-microbial, absorbent, breathable and has a host of other amazing properties, making it the superior material.
Tencel is also more expensive than nylon, but it may be worth the premium for its unique properties.
Let’s take a deep dive:
What is Tencel?
Tencel is a natural fiber made from wood pulp. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly fabric that is soft, absorbent, and durable. Tencel is often used in clothing, bedding, and other home textiles.
There are a few different things that Tencel can refer to. First, Tencel is a brand name for modal fibers. Modal is a type of rayon made from the cellulose of beech trees and Tencel is just one particular brand of modal fiber. Second, Tencel can also refer to lyocell-a specific type of rayon that’s made from wood pulp of eucalyptus trees. Lyocell is the most common type of Tencel, and it’s what we’ll be focusing on in this article.
Tencel is a semi-synthetic fiber that isn’t all natural or all synthetic, but instead sits in the middle of both worlds. Tencel is made from a cellulose and processed using amine oxide heated to break the molecules apart. The process includes spinning, washing and drying until the raw materials are ready for spinning into yarns.
Tencel has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its better environmental performance and lower cost of production than other fibers like polyester. In fact, tencel was created back in the 1960s but only recently gained popularity due to its many benefits over other fabrics.
What is nylon?
Nylon is a synthetic fiber that is produced from polyamides. It is a strong, lightweight and cheap fabric that is often used in sportswear and lingerie.
Nylon is a durable material that is often used in products that need to be resistant to water and other chemicals, such as raincoats, tents, and fishing net.
Nylon has been around since the 1930s and has remained one of the most popular fabrics ever since.
What are the similarities between Tencel and nylon?
There are several similarities between Tencel and Nylon. Some of the similarities include that both materials are:
- breathable
- moisture-wicking
- lightweight
- strong fibers
- easily woven into fabric
- can be dyed easily
What are the differences between Tencel and nylon?
The differences between Tencel and nylon are like light and day:
- Tencel is made from natural sources (wood pulp) while nylon is purely synthetic
- Tencel is made sustainably while nylon is not.
- Tencel has a very low carbon footprint while nylon is not eco-friendly at all
- Tencel fabric is softer than nylon.
- Nylon is more durable than Tencel
- Nylon is also much cheaper than Tencel
- Nylon is water resistant while Tencel isn’t. In fact Tencel is super absorbent.
Which is better: Tencel or nylon?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question – it depends on what you are looking for in a fabric. Tencel is a natural fabric made from wood pulp, while nylon is a synthetic fabric made from petrochemicals. Both have their pros and cons, so it is important to decide what is important to you before making a decision.
If you want the more environmentally friendly option, Tencel wins hands down. However, if you are looking for a fabric to make tents or water resistant covers with, obviously you need nylon rather than Tencel, no matter how sustainable Tencel is.
To wrap up
While both fabrics have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, Tencel is a better choice if you don’t need the specific qualities that only nylon provides. It is more environmentally friendly, softer, and has a better drape than nylon.
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