2011-1-14
Lenzing is presenting the new fiber innovation TENCEL C at Heimtextil in Frankfurt. After many years of research work, cosmetic properties can now be combined with the well-known skin-sensory advantages of TENCEL.Oceanic + Botanic
The TENCEL fiber is well-known for its positive skin properties. Due to its smooth fiber structure, it is particularly silky next to the skin. Its botanic origin TENCEL is extracted from wood means that it has particularly good breathing properties and is the Moisture Manager among textile fibers. In combination with Chitosan, a natural product from the ocean, this now makes TENCEL the fiber that provides cosmetic benefits.
The substance Chitosan is extracted from the shells of shellfish and is then applied to the fiber. After cellulose, Chitin is the second most frequent naturally replenishable polysaccaride in the world and ever-present in Nature. This natural substance is an ideal match for TENCEL. Both raw materials come from Nature and complement each other to perfection. Chitosan is used in cosmetics and in the pharmaceutical industry and is well known for its ability to alleviate itching, regulate cells and protect the skin as well as its antibacterial effect.
A new dimension in textile cosmetics
The skin is the largest human organ. Its care and health are, therefore, essential. The skin can only be healthy and attractive when it is in balance. The pre-requisites for healthy skin are: the moisture content, the protective function, elasticity and cell renewal. All of these parameters are supported by applying TENCEL C to the skin.
A scientific wear test comparing TENCEL C with cotton revealed that TENCEL C achieves better results. The blind study was carried out with 32 test participants with healthy skin wearing a stocking of TENCEL C on one leg and a cotton stocking on the other leg for two weeks. A dermatologist evaluated the skin of the test participants. In 41% of the test subjects, the leg that wore TENCEL C looked better with reduced dehydration, fewer wrinkles and less cornification and micro-fractures.
In general the level of moisture of the skin drops less with TENCEL C. TENCEL C acts like a moisture reservoir and prevents the loss of moisture of the skin. As a result the skin barrier is intact and offers protection from environmental influences.
Another study tested cell renewal. Once again it was shown that with TENCEL C, skin cells are renewed more quickly when a wound is healing.
Fiber of innovation
After many years of research work, Lenzing has succeeded in soaking a fiber with the biopolymer Chitosan and in transferring this to large-scaleproduction. Chitosan is difficult to control at production level. It is water-soluble and after several processing steps, it can dissipate from the fiber.
The research scientists at Lenzing developed a special technology to prevent this. Because of Lenzing s expertise and innovative manufacturing techniques, TENCEL C can easily take up to 50 wash cycles in a commercially available washing machine without losing its cosmetic properties.
source: www.fiber2fashion.com
