Specific Quality Optimization with Lenzing Lyocell in the First Stages of the Textile Chain.

The production and processing of lyocell fibers, including raw wood cellulose fiber production, spinning, weaving, finishing, and apparel manufacturing, are described. Lyocell fibers possess high dry and wet strength, high extensiblity, high dye affinity, low shrinkage, and controlled fibrillation. A discussion of production parameters co..

Chemical Modification of Cellulosic Fibers and Characterization of Their Aqueous Suspensions.

Researchers introduced ionic groups to modified cellulosic fibers to yield stable suspensions in aqueous solvents. Heterogeneous chemical modifications were achieved to yield ionic fibers (-COO or -NR(3+)). Different average degrees of substitution were introduced to produce cationic fibers giving stable suspensions in water. The suspensi..

Optical Resolution of Surface Modified Polyacrylonitrile Hollow Fibers.

Researchers performed a controlled reaction on the surface of polyacrylonitrile hollow fibers to change the CN unit to a CNH(2) unit. Ion exchange measurements and infrared spectra suggested the existence of an HN(2) unit on the modified surfaces. The modified fibers possessed a smaller molecular weight cut-off than did the unmodified fib..

The Aging of Wool Fibers

The aging of wool fibers involves chemical changes from the effects of light, heat, and atmospheric oxygen, resulting in degradation. Researchers examined the aging of wool fibers under a combination of natural and artificial conditions. Results indicated that modifications in physical properties may be related to underlying chemical chan..

Physical Properties and Processing of Fine Merino Lamb's Wool. Part II: Softness and Objective Characteristics of Lamb's Wool.

The second in a series of research papers examining the softness of fine Merino lamb's wool describes the results of on-farm work examining lamb's wool tips; comparing lamb's wool, cashmere, and regrowth wool; analyzing the development of fiber diameter distribution during growth; and evaluating fiber crimp, fiber diameter, fiber resistan..

Growing Importance of Jute as Major Textile Fibre.

Researchers studied the consumer acceptability of jute/acrylic blend knit fabrics. Thirty experts subjectively evaluated the fabric samples for texture, luster, aesthetic appeal, and woolen hand. Data showed that more than 70 percent acrylic in the blend made the fabrics suitable for sweaters, blouses, shirts, trousers, socks, and undersh..

Diseases of Cotton.

Bacterial blight, verticillium wilt, and seedling diseases are the major cotton diseases in Australia. Plants contract diseases when pathogens contact susceptible hosts in suitable environmental conditions. Infested crop debris is a primary source of cotton blight. Other avenues of pathogen introduction include infested seed, wind, water ..

Effect of Environmental Relative Humidity and Damage on the Tensile Properties of Flax and Nettle Fibers.

Both flax and nettle feature cellulosic fiber bundles, comprising many individual cells bonded together, in the outer layer of the plant. Researchers investigating the effects of environmental conditions and mechanical damage on the tensile stiffness and strength of flax and nettle developed experimental equipment to measure the static an..

Microfibrillar Nature of Fibres.

Researchers compared the fibrillated nature of the supermolecular structure of oriented polymers with the fibrillated fibrous structure of natural cellulose and protein materials. Results indicated that microfibrils are the basic structural elements and carriers of fibrous properties in oriented manmade fiber composed of flexible or rigid..

Biotechnology Could Revolutionize Blue Jeans Production.

Biotechnology provides textile manufacturers with new methods to reduce costs and improve industrial health and safety, environmental friendliness, and product quality. Monsanto's development of a genetically engineered blue cotton could significantly affect the denim manufacturing industry by reducing pollution from indigo dye effluent. ..