Bamboo is referred to as “the Black Diamond” in Japan and Southeast Asia, bamboo charcoal fibre use is an emerging trend in the fashion industry as manufacturers look to combine fashion with function.
Green Earth News previously wrote about the many gains of bamboo charcoal so it must come as no surprise that those positive aspects extend to the fabric made from bamboo. The charcoal is created by heating bamboo at temperatures of 800 degrees and then the charcoal itself is processed and mixed in with fabrics as part of the growing field of nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology is defined as the “understanding, manipulation, and control of matter at the length mentioned above, thus, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials (individual atoms, molecules, and bulk matter) might be engineered, synthesized, or altered to develop the next generation of improved materials, devices, structures, and systems.” Hence, textile attributes for instance softness, durability, water resistance and breath-ability may be enhanced with the use of Nanotechnology.
The several positive features of bamboo charcoal fabric include:
Easier on sensitive skin – The fabric inhibits bacterial metabolism causing fewer allergic skin reactions than other fibers sterilized with antimicrobial agents.
Reduces Static buildup – This is really a conductive material so it keeps a balanced charge in fabric to reduce static buildup.
Superior Washing and Durability – Bamboo charcoal fibers are quick-drying and because the charcoal nano particles are embedded in the fabric rather than simply coated onto the surface, the fabric may be washed numerous times with no adverse effect on the charcoal qualities.
Moisture Regulation – Bamboo charcoal yarn has a cross-section filled with various micro-gaps and micro-holes so compared to conventional fabrics, it is better at moisture absorption and ventilation. The fabric keeps the wearer dry and comfortable on hot days.
While the bamboo fabric technology is still relatively new, only gaining momentum in Asia from the mid-1990s, its uses are growing widespread ranging from clothing to carpeting to bedding. As they look towards more environmentally friendly fabrics that offer the same feel and durability of synthetic fabrics, bamboo charcoal is often a surprising but strong contender.
Another fine contender stemming from the world’s most renewable resource – bamboo – is viscose from bamboo fabric, offering a wide selection of fashion trends from bamboo clothing to bedspreads, baby blankets to luxurious bath towels.