Oxygen permeability of regenerated cellulose films with different water regains.

The effect of water regain on the oxygen permeability coefficient (OP) of regenerated cellulose film was investigated. The OP of the dry film was extremely low, which was classified as a "very high" performance gas barrier; however, the OP increased with increasing water regain, and reached to the OP similar to that of low-density polyethylene film, which was categorized as a "poor" gas barrier. The film thickness increased with increasing water regain, and edge-view small-angle X-ray scattering revealed widening of the space between microcrystals in the thickness direction.

Cellulose/glucomannan blends prepared from aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and their practical use as food materials.

Aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is one of the simplest and most environmentally friendly solvents of cellulose. Regenerated cellulose/glucomannan blends were prepared from an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and the mechanical properties and structure of the blends were investigated. In addition, the noodle-shaped blends were sensory evaluated as food materials.

Relaxation phenomenon and swelling behavior of regenerated cellulose fibers affected by organic solvents.

Regenerated cellulose fibers are extremely sensitive to water. In particular, their mechanical properties are greatly affected by water. Recently, it was clarified that the glass transition temperatures of regenerated cellulose over 500 K can be shifted to room temperature, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) showed the maxima and shoulders on the equator line in the wet state.

Relaxation phenomenon and swelling behavior of regenerated cellulose fibers affected by water.

Regenerated cellulose fibers are extremely sensitive to water; particularly, the mechanical properties are greatly affected by water. We examined the effect of water on regenerated cellulose fibers in respect of the relaxation phenomenon and swelling behavior. The peaks and shoulder of mechanical loss tangent δ were observed at room temperature and water regains of 56-78%.