Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.83, No.13, 2799-2816, 2002
Microfocus small-angle X-ray scattering investigation of the skin-core microstructure of lyocell cellulose fibers
Skin-core microstructures in hydrated lyocell cellulose fibers were investigated using microfocus small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Both single fibers and fiber cross sections were observed. In all the fibers studied, a thin skin layer was observed in which the voids were smaller in cross section and better oriented than those in the core. The division between skin and core may not be sharp. A draw ratio of 0.80 gave fibers with voids that were shorter, larger in cross section, and more misoriented than the fibers produced with a draw ratio of 1.68. In contrast, there was little difference in void structure between samples coagulated in water and in 25% amine oxide aqueous solution. The results are explained in the context of the spinodal decomposition, which is thought to occur during coagulation.
Keywords:X-ray microfocus;lyocell;spinodal decomposition;skin-core microstructure;small-angle X-ray scattering