Skin/core micro-structure in viscose rayon fibres analysed by X-ray microbeam and electron diffraction mapping

The skin/core morphology of viscose fibres was analysed by X-ray microbeam diffraction applied to individual fibres and by electron diffraction on longitudinal fibre cross-sections, Both techniques yield position-resolved diffraction maps which reveal that (1) the cellulose molecules are far better aligned in the fibre skin than in their core and (2) there is no significant difference between skin and core concerning both mean crystallite size and crystallinity. Comparing the X-ray microbeam diffraction with electron diffraction techniques there is a clear advantage for X-ray experiments as they lead to quantitative results on individual fibres without the necessity of elaborate specimen sectioning and handling. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.