Abstract: The fibrillation tendency of solvent-spun cellulose fiber is reduced by treating the previously dried fiber with a chemical reagent containing at least two functional groups which are reactive with cellulose and which are electrophilic carbon--carbon double bonds, particularly vinyl sulfone groups, or precursors thereof or electrophilic three-membered heterocyclic rings or precursors thereof. The chemical reagent is preferably colorless and is preferably applied to the fiber from aqueous solution. The fiber may be contained in a woven or knotted fabric.

Abstract: Cigarette filters are disclosed which comprise entangled continuous filaments of lyocell. The filaments may be entangled for example by hydroentangling a web which comprises one or more layers of lyocell filaments in spread tow form or by directing radial or circumferential water jets at a tow of lyocell filaments in rod form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the fibrillation tendency of lyocell fibre. Never-dried fibre is treated by an inorganic alkali solution and a chemical reagent having an average of greater than 2.1 acrylamido groups, and then heated. This method produces cellulose materials with a smooth white appearance resistant to creasing in the wet state.

Abstract: The fibrillation tendency of lyocell fabrics, and the degree of fibrillation of fibrillated lyocell fabrics, can be reduced by treating such fabrics with a cross-linking agent in the presence of an acid catalyst. Good results may be obtained when the ratio by weight of the catalyst to the optional cross-linking agent is at least about 0.5:1. Good results may be obtained when the amount of cross-linking agent fixed on the fabric is in the range 0.5 to 1.5 percent on weight of fabric.

Abstract: Acrylic fiber with persistent antifungal properties can be prepared by extruding a dope which comprises an acrylic polymer in solution and an antifungal agent through a die into a coagulating bath. The antifungal agent is preferably a neutral organic compound of low solubility in water, for example tolnaftate. The antifungal agent is preferably dispersed in the fiber in the form of fine particles.

Abstract: Cigarette filters which comprise hydroentangled lyocell staple fibers are disclosed. High filter efficiencies, good taste properties, good resistance to staining, good physical resilience and good air flow characteristics are observed when cigarettes containing such filters are smoked.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing lyocell fiber with an increased tendency to fibrillation which includes dissolving cellulose in a tertiary amine N-oxide solvent to form a solution. The degree of polymerization of the cellulose is not more than about 450 and the concentration of cellulose in the solution is at least 16 percent by weight. The solution is extruded through a die to form a plurality of filaments which are washed to remove the solvent, thereby forming the lyocell fiber which is then dried.

Abstract: The color properties (i.e., the freedom from frosted ppearance, especially in dyed form) of lyocell fibre, in particular in fabric form, can be improved by mercerizing the fabric. The hand of the mercerized fabric can be softened to a marked degree by treatment with a cellulase enzyme.

Abstract: The use together of (1) an aromatic compound containing a benzene ring bearing at least two substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy groups, primary amino groups and secondary amino groups and (2) a sulphur-containing compound containing an --SH group or an anion or precursor thereof, not being a carbocyclic arenethiol, is effective in stabilising solutions of polysaccharides such as cellulose in tertiary amine N-oxides against thermal degradation. Such solutions are useful for the manufacture of extruded articles such as fibers and films.

Abstract: A method of forming a flame retardant cellulose fiber is disclosed which comprises the steps of producing lyocell fiber and incorporating a flame retardant chemical into the fiber while the fiber is in the never-dried condition prior to first drying.

Abstract: A method for the production of a tampon formed of a blend of regenerated solid cellulosic viscose fibres, is provided in which the blend includes a first set of fibres having a first cross-sectional characteristic and a second set of fibres having a second cross-sectional characteristic. The first cross-sectional characteristic is different from the second cross-sectional characteristic. The method includes the improvement of forming the blend by forming a tow of viscose rayon fibres having the same blend ratio of first and second sets of fibres as is required in the tampon by spinning viscose dope through a jet to form a plurality of filaments. The jet has a plurality of dimensionally controlled holes pierced therein. In this way a plurality of different fibre cross-sectional shapes or sizes are simultaneously formed directly in the tow by spinning the viscose dope through the jet having the required plurality of different shaped or sized holes pierced therein.

Abstract: A cigarette filter in which the body of the filter comprises paper containing, or consisting essentially of, lyocell fibres. The invention also relates to a cigarette incorporsting such a filter.

Abstract: A dump tank for receiving congealable material vented from a chemical process, the dump tank having two access doors covering two access ports, both doors being openable for cleaning purposes so that congealable material vented into the tank can be pushed out of one access port from the other port.

Abstract: A spinning cell for producing lyocell fibre by spinning a solution of cellulose in an organic solvent through an air gap into a spin bath has nozzles to create a cross-draught through the air gap.

Abstract: A wet-laid nonwoven fabric comprises a blend of 1 to 50% by weight of fibres of a water-swellable water-insoluble superabsorbent polymer and 99 to 50% by weight of less absorbent fibres, for example fibres having an absorbency of less than 10 g/g measured by retention to centrifuging of a 0.9% by weight saline solution.

Abstract: Crimped fibres of solvent-spun cellulose are made and checked for damage in a method in which:i) cellulose is dissolved in an amine oxide solvent to form a hot cellulose solution,ii) the hot cellulose solution is extruded through a die assembly to form a tow of continuous filaments,iii) the tow is passed through a water bath to leach out the amine oxideiv) the tow is crimped by passing through a stuffer box in which it is compressed to apply crimp,v) dry steam being injected into the stuffer box during the crimping process, andvi) the crimped tow leaving the stuffer box is passed through detection means in whichvii) a beam is projected across the path of travel of the tow and is received by receiving means on the opposite side of the tow, the receiving means being calibrated to initiate a signal if obscurement of the beam by the tow varies beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Staple fibres of solvent-spun cellulose are made by a method in which:i) cellulose is dissolved in an amine oxide solvent to form a hot cellulose solution,ii) the hot cellulose solution is extruded through a die assembly to form a tow of continuous filaments,iii) the tow is passed through a water bath to leach out the amine oxide,iv) the tow is crimped by passing through a stuffer box in which it is compressed to apply crimp,v) dry steam being injected into the stuffer box during the crimping process, andvi) the crimped tow is passed to a cutter and cut to the desired fibre length. An apparatus is also provided in which the staple fibres can be made.

Abstract: In a system for the production of solvent-spun cellulose tow, trash and other undesirable material is detected by a device which projects a light beam across the tow and a receiver for the beam which initiates a signal if the beam is obscured beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The fibrillation tendency of solvent-spun cellulose fibre is reduced by treating the fibre with a cross-linking agent and a flexible linear polymer with terminal functional groups, for example polyethylene glycol (PEG) of molecular weight 300 to 600. The fibre may be treated in never-dried or in fabric form.

Abstract: The fibrillation tendency of lyocell fibre can be reduced by application to the fibre of a solution of a chemical reagent which contains at least two aliphatic aldehyde groups capable of reacting with each other in aqueous solution to form a cyclic hydrate containing a --CHOH--O--CHOH-- linkage, followed by reaction between the fibre and the reagent. The protection afforded by the invention is retained upon repeated laundering.