Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of making lyocell fibers. In particular, the process includes reducing the average degree of polymerization of a pulp to about 200 to 1100 without substantially reducing the hemicellulose content of the pulp, and reducing the copper number to less than 2.0.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low copper number and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) and a narrow molecular weight distribution. Further, the present invention provides processes for making compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, by contacting an alkaline pulp having a high hemicellulose content of at least about 7% with an oxidant sufficient to reduce the average degree of polymerization to about 200 to 1100 without substantially reducing the hemicellulose content or increasing the copper number of the pulp.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lyocell fiber having a high hemicellulose content. The fibers are readily cut into staple lengths and can be spun into yarns with excellent knitting and weaving characteristics which dye exceptionally well. The fibers have a cotton-like denier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pulp useful for making lyocell fibers. The pulp has a degree of polymerization from about 300 to about 1000; an alpha cellulose content of less than about 90% and in one instance can be made in a roll form. The degree of polymerization can be modified by acid hydrolysis, steam explosion; or alkaline enzymate degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides lyocell fibers made from compositions having a high hemicellulose content of at least 5% by weight, a low kappa number of less than 2.0 and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) value of about 200 to 1100, and a narrow molecular weight distribution (R) of less than 2.8.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low copper number and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) and a narrow molecular weight distribution. Further, the present invention provides processes for making compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low copper number and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization and a narrow molecular weight distribution. The present invention also provides lyocell fibers containing a high proportion of hemicellulose.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of preparing continuous lyocell fibers by melt blowing techniques, a pulp useful for making lyocell fibers and to the fibers produced by the method. In particular, the method enables high throughputs of fibers of cotton-like deniers. The fibers are readily cut into staple lengths and can be spun into yarns with excellent knitting and weaving characteristics which dye exceptionally well.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.). Further, the present invention provides processes for making compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization. The present invention also provides lyocell fibers containing a high proportion of hemicellulose. Further, the lyocell fibers of the present invention have enhanced dye-binding properties and a reduced tendency to fibrillate.

Abstract: The invention is lyocell fiber characterized by a pebbled surface as seen at high magnification and having a variable cross section and diameter along and between fibers. The fiber is produced by centrifugal spinning, melt blowing or its espunbonding variation. The fibers can be made in the microdenier range with average weights as low as one denier or less. The fibers have inherently low gloss and can be formed into tight yarns for making fabrics of very soft hand. Alternatively, the fibers can be formed into self bonded nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.). Further, the present invention provides processes for making compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization. The present invention also provides lyocell fibers containing a high proportion of hemicellulose. Further, the lyocell fibers of the present invention have enhanced dye-binding properties and a reduced tendency to fibrillate.