Abstract: Lyocell fibres contain elongated domains of polyester, polyamide or an olefin copolymer, the domains having an aspect ratio at least 1.5 and being aligned substantially parallel to the axis of the fibre. A process for the preparation of lyocell fibre or film by extruding a solution of cellulose in amine oxide through a spinneret or film die at elevated temperature via an air gap into an aqueous precipitation bath is characterised in that 0.1 to 60 wt % based on cellulose of a thermoplastic low-melting polymer is incorporated into the cellulose solution. A process for the preparation of a bicomponent fibre by extruding two polymers through a spinneret in side-by-side relationship at elevated temperature is characterised in that one of the polymers is a solution of cellulose in amine oxide and the other polymer is a molten thermoplastic polymer having a melting point above 25° C. but below the extrusion temperature.

Abstract: A wound dressing has its wound-contacting surface composed of a tow or strand of textile filaments at least 15 mm long or a fabric of textile filaments at least 3 mm long, substantially all of the filaments being non-crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose filaments capable of absorbing at least 15 times their own weight of 0.9% aqueous saline solution. The wound-contacting surface forms a swollen, transparent gel which retains sufficient fibrous character to be removable as a coherent dressing from the wound.

Abstract: Carboxymethyl cellulose fiber having a degree of substitution of at least 0.1, preferably 0.2-0.5, carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit is derived from solvent-spun cellulose fiber, for example by reaction with a strong alkali and a monochloroacetate reagent. The fiber has an absorbency of at least 8 grams, usually at least 15 grams, 0.9% saline solution per gram of fibre and a tenacity of at least 10, usually at least 15, cN/tex. It can be used for absorbent personal products.