Lenzing presented another TENCEL？ fiber innovation： A new micro version of the A100？ fi ber type is now available. The new TENCEL？ micro fi ber complements the range of fi bers offered for knitwear applications.

Bright colors and an edge in quality defi ne the end products

The TENCEL？ A100？ specialty fi ber has been specially developed for the processing of knitted fabrics. Fabrics with superior quality properties which surpass other fabrics of conventional cellulose fibers are now possible with the A100？-technology. “As a result of the innovative， micro A100？ fi ber type， new opportunities are opening up both in the lingerie sector and in upmarket fashion with a high quality standard，” Dieter Eichinger， Vice President of Apparel at Lenzing， comments.“Superior color brightness combined with gloss and the best service values are what make the A100？-fi ber types a top choice. With this fi ber a depth of color can be achieved which surpasses any other fi ber. Our black is appropriately called perfect black，”Eichinger explains in more detail.

The color intensity effect is based above all on the special fi ber structure of TENCEL？. An examination of individual fi ber types compared to TENCEL？ A100？ shows that the depth of color between fi bers such as cotton， Viscose， and Modal differs considerably. The greatest difference is evident when comparing with cotton： TENCEL？ A100？ is 38% more intensive in terms of the depth of color.

Unlike other cellulose fibers， the TENCEL？ A100？-fiber types get top marks for gloss. The latter can be measured using a gloss meter and once again the test shows marked differences when comparing with cotton， Viscose， and Modal. Once again TENCEL？ A100？ quite simply has the leading edge and demonstrates the highest gloss. “This means that knitted outfits can shine beautifully without the need for synthetic fi bers，” Eichinger explains. The visual appeal of end products of TENCEL？ A100？ is still impeccable even after washing. Even wrinkles from washing， such as those which occur with Viscose， are not to be found in knitted tops of TENCEL？ A100？， a property which represents an important quality edge for premium brand suppliers.

New applications in the wool segment and Activewear

The TENCEL？ A100？ fi bers are used especially in blends with wool and synthetic fi bers. They act as a softener in wool and as a moisture manager with synthetic fi bers. “Lingerie for sportswear could be an interesting application for the new micro fiber. The latter is blended increasingly with wool and is the height of fashion. The legwear segment also promises ideas for developments. These possibilities are currently being evaluated，” Eichinger says.