A small-angle X-ray scattering study of the effect of hydration on the microstructure of flax fibers.
Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments with in situ dehydration have been performed on small bundles of flax fibers. Analysis indicated that the structure of the cellulose microfibrils is consistent with a cross section of approximately 10 x 50 A2. The microfibril misalignment was Gaussian with a full width at half-maximum of 11-15 degrees, dependent on hydration level. A meridional peak at q = 0.095 A-1 was observed, possibly for the first time in cellulose I fibers, and this has been attributed to a crystalline/noncrystalline repeat repeat distance of 60-70 A. It has also been noted that there is considerable change in structure as flax fibers dry from the wet state.
Astley
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OM
Polymers and Colloids Group, Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HE, U.K.
Donald
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AM
D002473:Cell Wall / Q000737:chemistry; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry; D019597:Flax / Q000737:chemistry*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry; D014965:X-Rays
D014867:Water; D002482:Cellulose