What is the Difference Between Tencel G100 and Tencel A100?

Tencel, the trade name for Lenzing’s Lyocell fiber, is a high-performance regenerated cellulose fiber. It’s produced using a sustainable wet spinning process that dissolves wood cellulose in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO). This closed-loop production system recycles over 99% of the solvent, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Lyocell fibers are fully biodegradable, making Tencel an eco-friendly and versatile textile material.

Lyocell fibers are available as filament or short fibers, with the short fibers further divided into two types:

• Tencel G100: The uncross-linked, standard version.
• Tencel A100: The cross-linked version.

Let’s explore the key differences between these two types of Tencel fibers.

Differences Between Tencel G100 and Tencel A100

1. Production Process

The primary distinction between Tencel G100 and Tencel A100 lies in their manufacturing processes:

• Tencel G100:
  • Wood pulp → NMMO dissolution → Filtration → Spinning → Coagulation bath → Water washing → Drying → Crimping → Cutting into fibers
  • This process produces fibers with high hygroscopic swelling and easy fibrillation, making Tencel G100 ideal for creating fabrics with unique textures like peach-skin finishes.
• Tencel A100:
  • Undried fiber tow → Cross-linking agent treatment → High-temperature baking → Washing → Drying → Crimping
  • The addition of a cross-linking agent forms chemical bonds between cellulose molecules, reducing fibrillation and creating smoother, more durable fabrics.

2. Fiber Properties

• Tencel G100:
  Regular Tencel G100 fibers exhibit high hygroscopic swelling, particularly in the radial direction, with a swelling rate of 40%-70%. When these fibers absorb water, the hydrogen bonds holding the molecules together weaken, and the fibers split along their axis under mechanical stress. This fibrillation property allows Tencel G100 fabrics to achieve a distinctive peach-skin texture, making them soft and luxurious.
• Tencel A100:
  Cross-linked Tencel A100 fibers are chemically treated to reduce their tendency to fibrillate. This results in fabrics that are smooth, clean, and resistant to pilling. Tencel A100 is ideal for garments that require a polished appearance and long-lasting durability, making it suitable for high-end fashion and home textiles.

3. Applications and Benefits

• Tencel G100:
  Due to its ability to fibrillate, Tencel G100 is often used for fabrics with unique textures, such as peach skin or suede-like finishes. These fabrics are soft to the touch and have a natural, luxurious aesthetic. Tencel G100 is ideal for casual wear, bedding, and other applications where a soft, tactile feel is desired.
• Tencel A100:
  The cross-linking process ensures that Tencel A100 fabrics are smooth, durable, and resistant to pilling, even after extended use. This makes it a popular choice for garments requiring a clean, professional look, such as shirts, dresses, and home textiles like curtains and upholstery.

The Rise of Lyocell Fiber

Tencel fibers are made from 100% natural wood pulp, primarily sourced from eucalyptus trees, and were developed by the British company Acordis. Tencel is often referred to as “the fiber dream of the 21st century” due to its unique combination of sustainability and performance.

Key Features of Tencel:

• Softness: Its touch is softer than silk.
• Moisture Absorption: It outperforms cotton in absorbing and wicking moisture.
• Convenience: Lightweight, easy to wash, and quick to dry.
• Eco-Friendliness: As a biodegradable fiber made through an environmentally friendly process, it is rightly called the “green fiber of the 21st century.”

Global Popularity

Lyocell fiber has been widely used internationally since the early 1990s and gained traction in the domestic market by the late 1990s. Its versatility has made it a sought-after material in the textile industry, blending the comfort of natural fibers with the durability of synthetics. From industrial applications to luxurious clothing, Tencel has become a favorite name among fabric manufacturers and fashion designers.

Final Thought

Tencel G100 and Tencel A100 represent two unique approaches to Lyocell fiber production, each catering to different textile needs. At Pura Fabric, we recognize the value of these fibers in creating sustainable, high-quality fabrics that meet the demands of modern consumers. Whether you’re looking for the soft, textured appeal of Tencel G100 or the smooth durability of Tencel A100, we provide solutions tailored to your textile needs.