Study of cellulosic fibres morphological features and their modifications using hemicelluloses

Abstract

The microfibrilar structure and the morphology of the fibre are some of the most important characteristics that determine fibre performance during yarn making. This article is focused on understanding of morphological features of manmade cellulosic fibre and exploring an alternate way to alter fibre morphology. It is observed that though the chemical nature of different types of cellulose fibres viz. viscose, modal and lyocell is same; different processing routes lead to different cross-section and morphologies of fibres which leads to their characteristic properties and spinning behavior. A novel way is attempted to alter the fibre morphology of viscose fibre by changing the fibre regeneration kinetics and molecular weight distribution through addition of low molecular weight and branched structured hemicelluloses in spinning dope. Addition of hemicelluloses in the spinning dope prior to spinning and regeneration of viscose fibres is found to alter the morphology of the fibres without affecting tensile properties of the fibres.