Fiber: Modal

Modal (modified viscose)

History

Modal fibers were developed in the 1930´s, mainly for the tire industry. Changes happens in the viscose processing which were the spin conditions, chemical solution and the stretching sequence and created a fiber with increased crystalline and greater strength. Some years after in 1951 new developments in Japan lead to a production of viscose of a high wet modulus. The Modal fibers are stable and do not shrink of get out of shape when wet like viscose.

Modal are made by spinning of bio-based fiber from beech wood trees

Modal is the generic name for modified viscose. The advantages of the fiber are:
-Softness and silky feel
-Good drape
-Comfortable to wear
-Form is steady
-50% more water-absorbent that cotton
-Colour-fast when washed in warm water

The fibers of Modal are good to use in materials for exercise clothing and health suits, because the fibers has a good moisture regain and air permission, it can therefore sometimes be considered better than cotton. Textiles made Modal do not pill and are resistant to shrinkage and fading. The textiles made of Modal are smooth and soft and has

Today the Modal is used in a huge variety in clothing, outwear and household furnishing often blended with cotton, wool or synthetic fibers. Modal needs to be ironed after wash, but has a relative easy care.

Purchaser

The knowledge of Modal and other materials alike is very important for a purchaser to know and to compare with the main materials a cotton and linen and wool. Often you will find Modal as a blend with of cotton or polyester because of its strength, uniformity and absorbency.

Source

http://www.aaatextiles.com/knit/Modal.html