Tencel is a regenerated cellulose fiber produced using an environmentally-responsible dry-jet wetspinning process, which contributes to its excellent mechanical properties. In this study, the tensile properties of Tencel continuous filaments are characterized and the effect of twist on mechanical properties, including breaking load and extension, are considered. Peak strength was obtained in Tencel filaments of 140 t m(-1). The elastic behavior of Tencel monofilament was observed by assessing the recovery from strain-induced energy and the elastic recovery was found to be low. Along with time dependency, Tencel has the ability to stabilize its deformed state by forming new crosslinks, and this influences the elastic behavior. In simple extension cycles, the same low elasticity was observed. Cumulative extension cycles were also performed to characterize the behavior of filaments subjected to repeated strain and to determine the resultant hysteresis effects. Permanent elongation was observed at 2% imposed strain, which suggests that the filament has low extensibility. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.