Molecular and crystal deformation of cellulose: uniform strain or uniform stress?

The molecular and crystal deformations of a range of lyocell cellulose fibres, produced using different drawing conditions, are reported. The fibres are spun using increasing draw ratios to both increase the molecular and crystal orientation and, consequently, mechanical stiffness. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction are used to follow molecular and crystal deformation, respectively.

Influence of domain orientation on the mechanical properties of regenerated cellulose fibers.

The determination of the crystal orientation of regenerated cellulose fibers produced under different drawing regimes is presented. Orientation is determined by using wide-angle X-ray diffraction from a synchrotron source and by measuring the azimuthal width of equatorial reflections. The orientation parameter theta is then determined to compare fiber samples.