Melt-blown lyocell: Influence of solution characteristics on fibre properties

Melt-blowing of lyocell solutions is a novel way of producing non-woven webs of very fine fibres. Earlier work in this area has been rather exploratory in nature. As yet, there has been no report on the outcome of using solutions of different characteristics. This paper presents a systematic study of the influence of solution characteristics on fibre and web features and properties. As part of a 3³ factorial experimental design, lyocell solutions of different concentrations, average degree of polymerisation and molecular weight distributions were produced by dissolving wood pulp in aqueous N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide. The different lyocell preparations were then melt-blown using a single-hole melt-blowing unit. Resultant webs were observed, fibre finenesses were measured and basic fibre mechanical properties were uncovered. The results show that the solution parameters indeed have tangible effects on fibre and web characteristics, fibre fineness and tensile responses. © The Textile Institute 2006.