Viscose Vs Nylon: What’s the Difference?

Viscose and nylon, stand out for their unique properties and versatile applications. Viscose, a semi-synthetic fiber derived from natural cellulose, boasts softness and breathability, making it a preferred choice for lightweight clothing.

On the other hand, nylon, a fully synthetic fiber derived from petrochemicals, excels in strength, durability, and abrasion resistance, finding widespread use in activewear, sportswear, and industrial applications.

This article delves into the distinctive characteristics of viscose and nylon, highlighting their differences and applications, to aid in understanding the optimal use of each fiber in various contexts.

Key Differences Between Viscose and Nylon

Composition

• Viscose: Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from natural cellulose sources such as wood pulp, bamboo, or cotton linters. The raw cellulose undergoes a chemical regeneration process called the viscose process, where it is dissolved in a solution of caustic soda and carbon disulfide to form a viscous substance. This viscous solution is then extruded through spinnerets and solidified into fibers.
• Nylon: Nylon, on the other hand, is a fully synthetic fiber made entirely from petrochemicals. It is a polyamide, composed of long chains of polymers derived from crude oil. The manufacturing process involves polymerization, where specific chemical reactions create the characteristic strong and durable fibers.

Manufacturing Process

• Viscose: The production of viscose involves a series of chemical treatments to transform natural cellulose into a soluble compound. The viscose process is more complex and resource-intensive compared to the production of synthetic fibers. It includes steps like steeping the cellulose in caustic soda, aging the solution, and then xanthating it with carbon disulfide.
• Nylon: Nylon is produced through a polymerization process, where petrochemicals are subjected to high heat and pressure to create polymeric chains. This polymerization can be achieved through various methods, including melt polymerization and interfacial polymerization. The resulting nylon polymer is then processed into fibers using techniques like melt spinning or dry spinning.

Nature

• Viscose: Viscose is categorized as a semi-synthetic fiber because it originates from natural cellulose but undergoes extensive chemical processing to become a usable fiber. This hybrid nature grants it some characteristics of both natural and synthetic fibers.
• Nylon: Nylon, in contrast, is a purely synthetic fiber with no natural origins. Its chemical composition and structure are entirely human-made, giving it distinct properties compared to natural fibers like cotton or wool.

Source

• Viscose: As mentioned earlier, viscose is sourced from natural cellulose, which can be obtained from wood pulp, bamboo, or cotton linters. The use of renewable resources in its production contributes to its eco-friendly reputation.
• Nylon: Nylon’s primary source is crude oil, a non-renewable fossil fuel. This reliance on petrochemicals raises environmental concerns, as it is not a sustainable resource.

Strength

• Viscose: Viscose fibers are generally less strong and durable compared to nylon. While they have reasonable tensile strength, they are more susceptible to wear and tear, making them less suitable for high-stress applications.
• Nylon: Nylon stands out for its exceptional strength and durability. It is renowned for its high tensile strength and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for products that require toughness and resilience, such as ropes, carpets, and sportswear.

Elasticity

• Viscose: Viscose fibers have limited elasticity, making them less stretchy and prone to losing their shape after prolonged use. They tend to stretch under tension but may not fully recover their original form, leading to sagging or bagging in clothing.
• Nylon: Nylon fibers exhibit excellent elasticity, allowing them to stretch significantly without breaking or losing shape. Their high elasticity makes nylon garments comfortable to wear and less likely to deform after stretching.

Softness

• Viscose: Viscose fibers are known for their soft and smooth texture, providing a luxurious feel against the skin. The softness of viscose makes it a popular choice for clothing items that require comfort and a gentle touch.
• Nylon: Nylon fibers, although not as soft as viscose, still offer a relatively smooth texture. However, nylon garments may sometimes feel slightly rougher compared to viscose due to their synthetic nature.

Breathability

• Viscose: Viscose is highly breathable, allowing air and moisture to pass through the fabric. This property makes it an excellent choice for warm weather clothing as it helps keep the wearer cool and comfortable.
• Nylon: Nylon fibers have lower breathability compared to viscose. While they can wick moisture away from the skin, they may not allow as much airflow, making nylon garments less suitable for hot and humid conditions.

Wrinkle Resistance

• Viscose: Viscose fibers are not particularly wrinkle-resistant. Clothing made from viscose may develop creases and wrinkles easily, requiring more frequent ironing or steaming to maintain a neat appearance.
• Nylon: Nylon fibers have good wrinkle resistance, and garments made from nylon tend to retain their shape better and show fewer wrinkles compared to viscose. This property makes nylon apparel suitable for travel and situations where a wrinkle-free look is desired.

Abrasion Resistance

• Viscose: Viscose fibers have lower abrasion resistance compared to nylon. They are more prone to wear and tear, making them less suitable for high-impact applications or items that will undergo significant friction.
• Nylon: Nylon fibers excel in abrasion resistance and are known for their durability in the face of repeated friction and stress. This property makes nylon an ideal choice for products like backpacks, luggage, and other heavy-duty applications.

Resilience

• Viscose: Viscose fibers have lower resilience compared to nylon. They are less resistant to deformation and may not recover their original shape as well after stretching or compressing. Over time, viscose garments may lose their form, especially when subjected to repeated use and washing.
• Nylon: Nylon fibers exhibit high resilience, meaning they can bounce back to their original shape after being stretched or compressed. This property makes nylon garments and products more durable and long-lasting, as they can withstand repeated use and maintain their structural integrity.

Water Absorption

• Viscose: Viscose has relatively high water absorption properties. It can absorb moisture quickly, which makes it suitable for applications where moisture management and comfort are essential, such as towels, bathrobes, and activewear.
• Nylon: Nylon has low water absorption capabilities. It does not readily soak up moisture, which makes it less suitable for applications where quick drying and moisture wicking are required. However, this property can also be advantageous in certain situations where moisture retention is undesirable.

Applications

• Viscose: Viscose finds application in a wide range of clothing items due to its softness, draping qualities, and breathability. It is commonly used in dresses, blouses, skirts, and lightweight summer clothing. Viscose is also used in home textiles like bedding and curtains.
• Nylon: Nylon’s exceptional strength, abrasion resistance, and elasticity make it a preferred choice for various applications. It is extensively used in activewear, sportswear, hosiery, swimwear, lingerie, and accessories like bags and backpacks. Nylon is also popular in industrial applications, including ropes, conveyor belts, and automotive parts.

Environmental Impact

• Viscose: Viscose, being derived from natural cellulose sources, is generally considered more environmentally friendly compared to fully synthetic fibers like nylon. However, the viscose manufacturing process involves the use of chemicals, which can pose environmental risks if not properly managed.
• Nylon: The production of nylon relies heavily on petrochemicals, which are derived from non-renewable fossil fuels. This aspect raises concerns about its environmental impact, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. Additionally, nylon manufacturing generates harmful byproducts, making it a less eco-friendly option compared to viscose.

Biodegradability

• Viscose: Viscose is biodegradable under certain conditions, as it is derived from natural cellulose sources. When disposed of properly in composting or landfill environments that support microbial activity, viscose fibers can break down over time, reducing their environmental impact.
• Nylon: Nylon is not biodegradable, as it is made entirely from synthetic petrochemicals. Its chemical structure is resistant to microbial degradation, which means nylon products can persist in the environment for extended periods, contributing to plastic pollution and waste.

Recycling Possibility

• Viscose: Viscose has some recycling potential, but it is more challenging to recycle compared to certain synthetic fibers. In its pure form, viscose fibers can be mechanically or chemically recycled, breaking down the fibers to produce new viscose products. However, the recycling infrastructure for viscose is less developed compared to other fibers like polyester or nylon.
• Nylon: Nylon has good recycling potential and can be recycled into new nylon products. The recycling process typically involves melting down the nylon and extruding it into new fibers or products. Recycled nylon, also known as “regenerated nylon” or “Econyl,” is becoming increasingly popular in sustainable fashion and other industries.

Cost

• Viscose: Viscose is generally more affordable than nylon, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers and mass-produced clothing lines. The relatively low cost of raw materials and simpler manufacturing process contribute to its cost-effectiveness.
• Nylon: Nylon is often more expensive than viscose due to its complex manufacturing process, reliance on petrochemicals, and higher demand for its versatile properties. The cost of nylon can vary depending on the specific type and quality required for the application.

Stain Resistance

• Viscose: Viscose fibers have moderate stain resistance. While they may absorb some liquids and substances, their cellulose-based nature does not provide inherent stain resistance. Viscose garments may be more susceptible to staining, especially with substances like oil and grease.
• Nylon: Nylon exhibits good stain resistance, as its synthetic composition naturally repels liquids. It is less likely to absorb stains, making it easier to clean and maintain. This property is particularly valuable in garments and products that are prone to frequent spills or exposure to dirt.

Flame Resistance

• Viscose: Viscose fibers are generally not flame-resistant. When exposed to fire or high heat, viscose fabrics tend to burn and can be a fire hazard. Flame-retardant treatments can be applied to improve its resistance, but untreated viscose is not inherently flame-resistant.
• Nylon: Nylon is not naturally flame-resistant either, but certain formulations of nylon can be treated with flame-retardant additives to improve its resistance to burning. Flame-resistant nylon is commonly used in protective clothing and other applications where fire safety is crucial.

Static Electricity Generation

• Viscose: Viscose fibers are relatively low in static electricity generation, making them less prone to causing static cling in garments. However, they can still accumulate static charges in certain conditions.
• Nylon: Nylon fibers are more prone to generating static electricity, especially in dry environments. Static cling is a common issue with nylon garments, and anti-static treatments are often applied to mitigate this problem.

Viscose Vs Nylon: Comparison Table

Criteria	Viscose	Nylon
Composition	Regenerated cellulose fiber from wood pulp	Fully synthetic fiber from petrochemicals
Manufacturing Process	Viscose process	Polymerization process
Nature	Semi-synthetic	Fully synthetic
Source	Derived from cellulose	Derived from crude oil
Strength	Less strong and durable	Strong and highly durable
Elasticity	Less elastic	Highly elastic
Softness	Soft and smooth	Not as soft as viscose, but still smooth
Breathability	Highly breathable	Breathable, but less than viscose
Wrinkle Resistance	Prone to wrinkles	More wrinkle-resistant than viscose
Abrasion Resistance	Lower abrasion resistance	Excellent abrasion resistance
Resilience	Less resilient	Highly resilient
Water Absorption	Absorbs moisture readily	Low water absorption
Applications	Apparel (dresses, shirts, etc.)	Hosiery, sportswear, carpets, and industrial
Environmental Impact	Considered more eco-friendly due to cellulose origin	Synthetic nature can have environmental concerns
Biodegradability	Biodegradable in certain conditions	Non-biodegradable
Recycling Possibility	Can be recycled in some cases	Can be recycled, but limited recycling infrastructure
Cost	Generally more affordable	Often more expensive than viscose
Stain Resistance	Moderate stain resistance	Good stain resistance
Flame Resistance	Generally not flame-resistant	Flame-resistant versions available
Static Electricity Generation	Tends to generate less static electricity	More prone to generating static electricity

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

The comparison between viscose and nylon reveals their distinct attributes and suitability for different purposes. Viscose, with its softness and breathability, shines in comfortable, lightweight apparel and home textiles.

Meanwhile, nylon’s strength, durability, and resistance to wear make it a top choice for robust applications in activewear, sportswear, and industrial products.

Understanding these differences empowers manufacturers and consumers to make informed decisions based on specific needs, environmental considerations, and budget constraints.

As the textile industry continues to evolve, both viscose and nylon will continue to play vital roles in creating a diverse range of products that cater to varying demands and preferences.