New types of cellulose materials obtained by an alternative spinning method

Conclusions

ALCERU, Lyocell, Newcell, and Tencel (the order is alphabetical and not by importance) are thus alternative hydrated cellulose fibres fabricated by a method with a low degree of harmfulness. Is this only a name or is it also a hope, as for viscose wool fibre 60 years ago? In our opinion, this is much more than only the beginning of a new generation of fibres, yarns, thin strips from film, spun articles, etc. Is this perhaps an overestimation again? No, we are convinced that this is the true path to future developments.

In research on this type of processing, the goal should not be to replace natural silk, cotton, or chemical fibres, but to create a totally different type of biodegradable material fabricated with a low degree of harmfulness of the process. A multitude of requirements of modern economic development related to the operation and cost-effectiveness of production could be satisfied in this way.

During development, we became convinced that fibrillation is not a defect, but instead a positive effect whose use will make it possible to discover new types of materials. And we should now be bold in using these new fibres and yarns for creating new materials. The reports from Courtaulds (Great Britain) concerning the introduction of three installations with a capacity of 50,000 tons a year each and Lenzing (Austria) concerning an installation with a capacity of 40,000 tons a year in the next three years are convincing evidence of the validity of this opinion.