Physical characteristics and processing method of Chinese

soybean fiber

Performance

Soybean protein fiber is made from bean dregs that are produced when extracting oil. From
these, globular protein is extracted using biotechnology, made into a spinning solution of a
consistent concentration with the addition of a functional auxiliary, and spun into yarn by the wet
method. The raw material being a natural product available in abundance and recyclable, there
is no waste of resources. All auxiliary materials and agents used in the production of soybean
protein fiber are of a harmless nature, and most auxiliaries used and even unfinished products
are recyclable. The bean dregs, too, after having their protein extracted, can be used as fodder.
No harm to the environment is expected during the course of production. There are two kinds of
soybean protein fiber currently being produced.

• 1.15D (1.27dtex) x 38/51mm (unbleached or bleached staple fiber)

• 1.5D (1.67dtex) x 51/76/88mm (unbleached or bleached staple fiber)

Fig. 1 shows the structure of soybean fiber. Table-1 shows a comparison in the performance of
soybean protein fiber and other fibers.
Fig. 1 Structure of soybean fiber
Surface Section

Irregular, moisture-absorbing Sections are irregular, dumbbell-

grooves shaped and have an islands-in-a
sea structure. Its micro-porous
structure makes it air and moisture
permeable.

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Pretreatment
• Scouring and bleaching of soybean fiber yarn and knits
Soda ash 3-6 g/L
Hydrogen peroxide 10-30 g/L
Sodium silicate or other stabilizer 2-4 g/L
Penetrating agent 0.5-1.0 g/L
Detergent 2 g/L
Treatment: 90-95°C, 60 min.
• Desizing, scouring and bleaching of soybean fiber weaves

Desizing method is selected according to the amount of sizing agent used. Scouring and
bleaching methods are the same as above.

Note:
Where a brighter tone of white is required, treat the substrate with an oxidant then a
reducing agent, followed by a fluorescent whitener.
Dyeing
Standard acid dyes, 1:2 metal complex and reactive dyes are used. The isoelectric point of
soybean protein fiber is 4-5. In the acid dyeing of soybean protein fiber, pH value is usually
adjusted to 4 using a buffer and temperature to 90-98°C. In all cases, temperature must be
maintained below 100°C. Reactive dyeing test results to date proved the use of Lanasol and
Realan dyes commonly used for wool not suitable for the dyeing of soybean fiber. Table-2
shows recommended dyestuffs for use in soybean fiber.
Table 2 Recommended dyestuffs
Reactive Dyeing
dyes temperature

Cibacron LS 80

Cibacron FN 60

Cibacron S 60
Reactive dyes listed in Table 2 display a superior fixation rate when treated under the said
temperatures, and with the use of alkali in doses shown in Table 3. Soda ash is recommended
for use as alkali.
Table 3 Recommended dose of alkali according to desired shade
Pale Medium Deep Deeper
2~5g/L 6~10g/L 11~15g/L 15~20g/L
The dosage of Glauber's salt or sodium chloride is decided according to the desired shading
and liquor ratio used.

Drying
Drying temperature for soybean fiber, which has poor resistance to heat and humidity, must be
maintained below 100°C with tension as low as possible, as the original hand will otherwise be
negatively affected.

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Development of blended fiber
Single soybean fiber yarn is as fine as 1.15D-1.5D and specially distinguished by its low specific
gravity, superior strength, elasticity and resistance to acid and alkali. It enjoys the hand of
cashmere, the luster of silk, with the moisture and air permeability and heat retaining properties
of cotton.
Advantages of soybean fiber blends with other fibers
1. Soybean/cashmere (80/20)
Enhances the hand as well as lowers the manufacturing cost of cashmere products.
Gives superior luster and comfort, as well as anti-pilling and drape properties.

2. Soybean/wool (50/50)
Produces excellent results taking advantage of both fibers, the lustrous, soft hand and
strength of soybean fiber, and the elasticity and heat-retaining properties of wool.
Spinning of high-count yarn is possible.

3. Soybean/silk (50/50)
Provides a solution to problems of silk, such as poor resistance to staining from
perspiration and water, poor light fastness and moisture permeability. Higher quality can
be achieved at a lower cost.

4. Soybean/cotton (50/50)
Enhances the comfort, luster, moisture-permeability, quick-dry and drape properties of
cotton. Upgrades cotton products.

5. Development of yarnM
Spinning methods have already been established for 100% soybean fiber, its blends
with natural (cotton, linen, wool, cashmere and silk) and chemical (modified polyester,
viscose, tencel, polynosic etc.) fibers, and used in plants dealing with cotton, silk and
wool. Production of 100% soybean fiber yarns in the range of 21S-80S and blended
yarns (28/72, 30/70, 45/55, 60/40, 70/30, 85/15 etc.) is possible.

6. Development of knit fabric

Soybean protein contained in the fiber makes a superior, soft hand endowed with both
moisture absorbency and permeability, which makes best application in knits and
innerwear. Finished with an anti-bacterial agent, health-care functionalities are also
given. It has great potential in its use in high-grade knits and innerwear.

7. Development of woven fabric

Weaves made of soybean fiber blends with other natural or chemical fibers have so far
been used in shirting and home textiles. A series of such products, too, has already
been developed. Their special feature is the luster and soft hand found in silk. Their
economic effects are extremely high.

Raw material found

Spun yarn Soybean fiber
in abundance in China

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