Fiber monofilament, product comprising fiber monofilament and method of manufacturing fiber monofilament

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a novel type of fiber monofilament for use in place of non-sustainable cotton. The fiber monofilaments comprise at least 50% by weight of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), an amino-functional polymer component, and an epoxy-functional crosslinker. In addition, the present disclosure provides a product comprising the fiber monofilament and a method of making the fiber monofilament.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fiber monofilament, a product including the fiber monofilament, and a method for producing the fiber monofilament. Background Art

[0002] Large-scale cotton cultivation requires vast quantities of water. It is widespread in regions already experiencing water and food shortages. Cotton cultivation reduces the amount of arable land available for food production, increases water consumption, and exacerbates food and water supply issues. Cotton use is unsustainable, and alternative fiber sources are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A novel type of fiber monofilament is provided for replacing the unsustainable use of cotton, particularly in the textile industry. The disclosed fiber monofilament exhibits good mechanical properties, such as wet strength and elasticity / elongation. The use of an amino-functional polymer component contributes to improved dyeing properties of the fiber monofilament. Utilizing a crosslinking reaction between the amino-functional polymer component and an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent enables the adjustment of monofilament properties in an aqueous reaction medium without the use of organic solvents or strong acids or bases.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a fiber monofilament is provided. The fiber monofilament comprises at least 50% by weight of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), an amino-functional polymer component, and an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a fiber monofilament is provided. The method comprises

[0006] - forming an aqueous suspension comprising 80 to 98 wt% of water and 2 to 20 wt% of a dry matter comprising non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), an amino-functional polymer component and an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent, the dry matter comprising at least 50 wt% of non-regenerated MFC,

[0007] - extruding the suspension into monofilaments, and

[0008] - Drying the monofilament.

[0009] According to yet another embodiment, a fiber material is provided, which includes the fiber monofilament described above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The solution is described in more detail below with reference to some examples which should not be considered limiting.

[0011] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the features described in the embodiments of the description and the claims are freely combinable with one another.

[0012] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise stated, percentage values ​​relating to the amount or portion of raw materials are percentages by weight (wt %) relative to dry fiber monofilaments.

[0013] Plant material is made of the matrix that the cellulose fiber that also contains lignin and hemicellulose forms.The cellulose fiber that forms this type of matrix is ​​fibril bundle, and fibril bundle is made up of microfibril again.Through fibrillation process, cellulose fiber is separated into the three-dimensional network of microfibril with large surface area.The fibrils of these entanglements are referred to as microfibrillated cellulose (MFC).The width of the fibril entangled in MFC can be 50 nanometers to 2 microns, and length or longitudinal dimension can be 100 nanometers to 500 microns, such as 100 nanometers to 200 microns.

[0014] In the context of the present disclosure, the method for making MFC is not limited. MFC can be produced from cellulose fibers using methods known in the art, such as high pressure, high temperature, and high-speed impact homogenization. The homogenization process is used to delaminate or decompose the cell wall of the fiber and release its substructure fibrils and microfibrils. Enzymatic and / or mechanical pretreatment of the wood fiber can also be used.

[0015] In this disclosure, the expression "non-regenerated cellulose" or "natural cellulose" refers to cellulose or cellulose fibrils or fibers whose macromolecular structure has not undergone chemical or physical modification. Non-regenerated MFC as discussed herein is essentially non-regenerated and consists primarily of the crystalline structure of cellulose I. Cellulose I may have structure I α and I β Man-made cellulose fibers commonly used in textile applications are regenerated and their crystalline structure differs primarily from cellulose I. The conversion of cellulose I to cellulose II (or other forms, such as cellulose III or cellulose IV) is irreversible. Therefore, these forms are stable and cannot be converted back to cellulose I.

[0016] In the context of the present disclosure, cellulose can be derived from any plant-based material. Plant-based raw materials can be wood materials or non-wood materials. Wood materials can be based on softwood trees, such as spruce, pine, fir, larch, Douglas fir or hemlock, or based on hardwood trees, such as birch, aspen, poplar, alder, eucalyptus or acacia, or based on any mixture mentioned above. Non-wood materials can be cotton, hemp, flax, sisal, jute, kenaf, bamboo, peat or coconut. Non-wood-based natural cellulose fibers also can be derived from agricultural residues, grass or other plant matter, such as straw, leaves, bark, seeds, husks, flowers, vegetables or fruits. Woody plants have high availability, little environmental burden, and excellent fiber quality. The foregoing is applicable to both non-regenerated cellulose and cellulose in regenerated and processed forms.

[0017] The present invention provides a novel type of fiber monofilament for replacing the unsustainable use of cotton, particularly in the textile industry. The fiber monofilament disclosed herein has mechanical properties that enable its use in fiber materials such as woven, knitted, nonwoven, or composite materials. In addition, improved dyeing properties of the fiber monofilament can be achieved.

[0018] As used herein, the term "fiber monofilament" refers to a continuous length of individual fibrils that are typically grouped and extended along the longitudinal dimension of a cellulose monofilament. The fibrils are interlocked to form a permanent monofilament structure. The monofilament cannot be opened or disassembled. Decomposition of the fiber monofilament produces individual fibrils. The fiber monofilament may comprise a continuous length of several meters or several kilometers. The individual fibrils of the fiber monofilament are primarily oriented along the length of the fiber monofilament. The term "monofilament" refers to a single filament produced by extruding a polymer suspension. The fiber monofilament may also be referred to as a monofilament fiber.

[0019] The fiber monofilaments according to the present disclosure comprise or consist of at least 50 wt.% non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), an amino-functional polymer component, and an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the fiber monofilament comprises 50 to 95 wt% of non-regenerated MFC, 0.5 to 20 wt% of an amino-functional polymer component and / or 0.1 to 5.0 wt% of an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent (percentage relative to the weight of the dry fiber monofilament).

[0021] For example, the amount of non-regenerated MFC in the fiber monofilament can be 60 to 95 weight %, 70 to 95 weight %, 80 to 95 weight % or 80 to 90 weight %. The amount of the amino-functional polymer component can be 0.5 to 15 weight %, 0.5 to 10 weight %, 5 to 15 weight % or 5 to 10 weight %. The amount of the epoxy-functional crosslinking agent can be 0.1 to 2.5 weight %, 0.1 to 1.0 weight %, 0.1 to 0.5 weight % or 0.1 to 0.4 weight %.

[0022] The interpolation of amino-functional polymer component and epoxy-functional crosslinking agent makes it possible to improve the mechanical properties of the fiber monofilament that comprises MFC, such as wet strength performance and elasticity / elongation. In addition, the amino-functional polymer component works aspect the dyeing property that improves the fiber monofilament. Can regulate monofilament performance, such as wet strength performance, elasticity / elongation and / or dyeing property by regulating the ratio of non-regenerated MFC, amino-functional polymer component and epoxy-functional crosslinking agent. Utilize the crosslinking reaction between amino-functional polymer component and the epoxy-functional crosslinking agent to make it possible to regulate monofilament performance in aqueous reaction medium, without the need to use organic solvent or strong acid or highly basic.

[0023] The amino-functional polymer component is evenly dispersed into the 3D network formed by the fibrils.

[0024] The use of a crosslinking agent significantly improved the mechanical properties of the fiber monofilaments. Compared to monofilaments prepared without a crosslinking agent, tenacity was improved without reducing elongation. The results also showed comparable monofilament properties to monofilaments prepared according to a typical formulation used to date, which includes MFC, CMC, polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin resin (PAE), and anionic polyacrylamide (aPAM).

[0025] Tenacity is a common measure of fiber or yarn strength. It is typically defined as the ultimate (breaking) force of a fiber / yarn (in grams-force) divided by its linear density. Tenacity is usually expressed as cN / (d)tex. Linear density is the weight of the fiber / yarn expressed in grams per 1,000 meters of fiber / yarn (tex) or grams per 10,000 meters of fiber / yarn (dtex).

[0026] The fiber monofilaments according to the present disclosure may have a linear density of 2 to 10 dtex when measured according to standard ASTM 3822 / D3822M-14 at RH 65% (+ / - 2%) and temperature 20°C (+ / - 2°C).

[0027] The fiber monofilaments according to the present disclosure may have a tenacity of at least 1 cN / dtex, preferably at least 1.5 cN / dtex or more preferably at least 2 cN / dtex when measured according to standard ASTM 3822 / D3822M-14 at RH 65% (+ / - 2%) and temperature 20°C (+ / - 2°C).

[0028] Fiber monofilament can have 500 and 2000 kg / m 3 Between, for example 1000 and 1700 kg / m 3 The density between.

[0029] The amino-functional polymer component can be bio-based. When the amino-functional polymer component and optional polymer additives are bio-based, the biodegradability of the fiber monofilament can be improved. Biodegradability of the material means that more than 90% of the original material is converted into CO2, water, and minerals through biological processes within 6 months.

[0030] The bio-based amino-functional polymer component can be a polysaccharide-based component, such as a cellulose derivative, chitosan, or a combination thereof. The amino-functional polymer component refers to a polymer structure having free amino groups. In particular, the amino-functional component has free amino groups that can be reacted with an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent.

[0031] The amino-functional polymer component as a cellulose derivative can be amino-functionalized hydroxyethylcellulose or amino-functionalized hydroxypropylcellulose. Hydroxyethylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose are ethers of cellulose in which at least some of the hydroxyl groups in the repeating glucose units have been hydroxyethylated or hydroxypropylated, respectively. The average number of substituted hydroxyl groups per glucose unit is referred to as the degree of substitution (DS). The degree of substitution (DS) in terms of hydroxyethylation or hydroxypropylation is HE / HP ) can be from 0.5 to 3.0.

[0032] Amino-functionalized hydroxyethyl cellulose or amino-functionalized hydroxypropyl cellulose are cellulose ethers in which some hydroxyl groups in the repeating glucose units have been substituted by providing free amino groups to the cellulose backbone. The free amino groups can be attached to the C6 position of the anhydroglucose units in the cellulose backbone directly or via a joint. The joint can be, for example, an alkyl group or an alkyl ether group. Alternatively or additionally, the hydroxyl group of the hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl substituent can be modified to contain free amino groups. The degree of substitution (DS) with respect to the free amino groups is denoted by the degree of substitution (DS) of the hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl substituent. NH2 ) can be from 0.01 to 1.0, for example from 0.01 to 0.4.

[0033] The formula I shown later in the Examples section represents an exemplary structure of an amino-functionalized hydroxypropyl cellulose. As already mentioned, similar amino-functionalized hydroxyethyl cellulose can also be used. In principle, the amino-functionalized hydroxypropyl / hydroxyethyl cellulose can have any type of structure as long as it has a free amino group (-NH 2 ).

[0034] Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1→4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated units) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetyl units). Chitosan is commercially produced by deacetylation of chitin, a structural element in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and the cell walls of fungi. The degree of deacetylation (%DD) of commercial chitosan ranges from 60% to 100%. Chitosan inherently has free amino groups for reaction with epoxy-functional crosslinkers.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the amino-functional polymer component may be of synthetic origin.Examples of synthetically derived amino-functional polymer components include amine-terminated polyethylene oxide derivatives and amine-terminated polypropylene glycol derivatives.

[0036] Epoxy-functional crosslinking agents contain at least two epoxy groups. The epoxy groups are capable of reacting with the free amino groups of the amino-functional polymer component. When at least two epoxy groups of a single crosslinking agent molecule react with the free amino groups, crosslinks are formed. In addition to the amino groups of the amino-functional polymer component, epoxy groups can also react with, for example, carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups of the cellulose molecule. However, free amino groups are more susceptible to reacting with epoxy functional groups than hydroxyl or carboxyl groups. Therefore, the introduction of amino functional groups into the cellulose suspension makes the modification of the cellulose fibrils via crosslinking more effective.

[0037] The epoxy functional cross-linking agent may be based on diglycidyl ether chemistry. For example, the epoxy functional cross-linking agent may be polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE).

[0038] Naturally, once crosslinking occurs, the free amino groups of the amino-functional polymer and the epoxy groups of the crosslinking agent no longer exist, but secondary amines are formed due to the amino-epoxy reaction. Structures containing the secondary amines thus formed are more stable under alkaline conditions than ester bonds formed between epoxy groups and cellulose carboxylic acid groups. This is an important feature, as many dyeing processes are carried out under alkaline conditions. Therefore, the amino-epoxy reaction introduces improved stability under alkaline dyeing conditions, thereby improving the dyeing properties of the fiber monofilaments.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the fiber monofilament further comprises at least one polymer additive. The polymer additive may include, for example, a dispersant, a strength additive, a rheology modifier, a plasticizer, and / or an emulsifier. The amount of the polymer additive is 0 to 25 wt%, such as 0.5 to 25 wt% (relative to the weight of the dry fiber monofilament).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the fiber monofilament includes a dispersant. The dispersant can be the only polymer additive used, or alternatively, the fiber monofilament can include other polymer additives in addition to the dispersant. The dispersant can improve the separation of the MFC fibrils and prevent them from settling or clumping during the manufacturing process of the fiber monofilament.

[0041] The polymer additive may be polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC), methyl cellulose (MC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC), methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MEHEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), ethyl cellulose (EC), starch, polyglycerol polyglycidyl ether, sorbitol polyglycidyl ether, or any combination thereof.

[0042] Polymer additives can, for example, regulate the rheological properties of the suspension used to form the fiber monofilament and / or the elastic properties of the fiber monofilament. Dispersants such as CMC, HEC, EHEC, MC, HPMC, HEMC, MEHEC, HPC, EC and starch can have an impact on the shear strength of the fiber monofilament. Strength additives such as CMC, PVA and PEO can improve the dry strength and / or wet strength of the fiber monofilament. PEO can also be used to increase the elasticity of the fiber monofilament. In addition, PEO is non-reactive to the epoxy groups of the cross-linking agent.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the fiber monofilament further comprises at least one monoepoxy reagent. Examples of suitable monoepoxy reagents include allyl glycidyl ether, butyl glycidyl ether, isopropyl glycidyl ether, 1,2-epoxyhexane, and benzyl glycidyl ether. The at least one monoepoxy reagent may be added to adjust the hydrophobicity of the fiber monofilament, improve the anti-pilling properties of the monofilament, or produce a more breathable and flexible fiber monofilament and products made therefrom. The monoepoxy reagent is capable of reacting with amino, hydroxyl, and carboxylic acid groups of the components forming the fiber monofilament. However, since the monoepoxy reagent has only one epoxy group, it does not participate in crosslink formation.

[0044] According to one exemplary embodiment, the fiber monofilament comprises or consists of at least 50 wt% non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), an amino-functional cellulose ether as the amino-functional polymer component, PEGDGE as an epoxy-functional crosslinker, and PEO or MHEC as a polymer additive.

[0045] According to another exemplary embodiment, the fiber monofilament comprises or consists of at least 50 wt% non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), an amino-functional cellulose ether as the amino-functional polymer component, PEGDGE as an epoxy-functional crosslinker, and CMC as a dispersant.

[0046] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the fiber monofilament comprises or consists of at least 50 wt.% non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), an amino-functional cellulose ether as an amino-functional polymer component, PEGDGE as an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent, PEO or MHEC as a polymer additive, and CMC as a dispersant.

[0047] To produce the fiber monofilaments, an aqueous suspension is formed containing water, non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), an amino-functional polymer component, and an epoxy-functional crosslinker. The aqueous suspension comprises 80 to 98% by weight of water and 2 to 20% by weight of dry matter. Of the dry matter content, at least 50% by weight is non-regenerated MFC.

[0048] The general order of adding the components (to the aqueous solution) to form the aqueous suspension is MFC, amino-functional polymer component, and epoxy-functional crosslinker. Optional polymer additives can be added after the MFC or immediately after the addition of the amino-functional polymer component. In any case, the epoxy-functional crosslinker is added to the suspension after the addition of the amino-functional polymer component.

[0049] The aqueous suspension is directed (extruded) through a small nozzle where the fibrils are well aligned (oriented) with the flow. The nozzle feeds the aqueous suspension onto a solid surface which is then dried to obtain fiber filaments.

[0050] Initial fibril orientation of the fiber filaments can be achieved during the extrusion stage. A nozzle with an outer diameter less than or equal to the maximum fibril length of the fibrils results in the fibrils being oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction of the suspension exiting the nozzle. This orientation of the fibrils in the longitudinal direction of the fiber filaments provides strength to the filaments.

[0051] The fiber filaments can be produced via a single-step process. Thus, the produced fiber filaments are continuous, but can be post-processed into shorter lengths by any suitable method known in the art. The thickness of the fiber filaments can be influenced, at least in part, by adjusting the production speed, the aqueous suspension concentration, and the nozzle geometry.

[0052] Since the suspension contains an amino-functional polymer component, maintaining an optimal pH in the suspension can play a role in the manufacturing process. A pH value of at least 7.5 is conducive to the reaction of the epoxy groups of the cross-linking agent with the amino groups of the amino-functional polymer component. Under acidic conditions (pH 6 and below), the reaction between the epoxy groups of the cellulose and the carboxylic acid groups may be more favorable. The pH of the suspension can be adjusted to the best using any suitable pH regulator / maintainer (such as a buffer solution and / or a base (catalyst)). Preferably, the pH regulator / maintainer is added to the suspension before adding the epoxy-functional cross-linking agent. Alternatively, the pH regulator / maintainer can be added just before the suspension is extruded. The pH regulator / maintainer, such as a base, can be used as a catalyst for the cross-linking reaction. For example, the pH regulator / maintainer can be NaOH.

[0053] The fiber monofilaments according to the present disclosure can be used in fiber materials, such as woven, knitted or nonwoven materials or composite materials. For weaving, knitting and / or composite materials, yarns made from the fiber monofilaments can be used.

[0054] Examples

[0055] Exemplary laboratory-scale fiber monofilaments, which may also be referred to as spun fibers, comprising an amino-functional cellulose ether as the amino-functional polymer component were prepared as follows.

[0056] The monofilament contains 83 to 85 weight percent non-regenerated MFC as the primary component. The amino-functional cellulose ether is represented by the general structural formula (Formula I) shown below. In Formula I shown below, R represents a hydroxypropyl group, and RNH2 represents an alkyl ether linker containing a free amino group.

[0057]

[0058] The amount of amino-functional cellulose ether is 2 to 10% by weight. The amino-functional cellulose ether has the following degree of substitution: DS HP 1.0 to 1.7 and DS NH2 0.01 to 0.10. The monofilament also contains 4 to 6 wt% PEO (MW = 4 million Da) or 4 to 6 wt% MHEC. The monofilament further contains 0.1 to 0.4 wt% PEGDGE (Mn 500) as an epoxy functional crosslinking agent.

[0059] An exemplary aqueous suspension was prepared by weighing 58 g of non-regenerated MFC and mixing it with 63 g of tap water. A previously prepared solution containing 2 g of an amino-functional cellulose ether of Formula I and 18 g of tap water was then mixed into the MFC suspension. 25.5 g of PEO was then added as a 2.11 wt% solution prepared separately. Finally, a 2 wt% solution of PEGDGE (0.2 g dissolved in 9.8 g of tap water) was added. After adding each reagent, the suspension was manually mixed for 1 to 2 minutes.

[0060] After all reagents have been added and manually mixed, the suspension is mixed at 500 rpm for 10 minutes. Afterwards, the pH and dry matter content of the suspension are measured. Typically, the dry matter content is 5.0 to 5.5% by weight and the pH is 7.0 to 8.0.

[0061] The suspension was extruded onto a surface and dried. The dried samples were evaluated for linear density, elongation, tenacity and filament width. The measurements were carried out according to ASTM 3822 / D3822M-14 at RH 65% (+ / - 2%) and temperature 20°C (+ / - 2°C).

[0062] A fiber monofilament / spun fiber containing 83.6 wt% MFC, 6.0 wt% PEO, 10.1 wt% amino-functional cellulose ether of Formula I, and 0.29 wt% PEGDGE exhibited a monofilament width of 85 μm and a linear density of approximately 4.6 to 4.9 dtex. The tenacity was approximately 1.9 to 2.1 cN / dtex, and the elongation was approximately 8.9 to 9.3%.

[0063] The fiber monofilaments / spun fibers containing 6.0 wt% MHEC instead of PEO showed a slightly higher monofilament width (105 μm). The linear density showed comparable to the fiber monofilaments / spun fibers containing PEO (about 4.9 dtex). However, the tenacity and elongation showed lower values ​​(about 0.6 cN / dtex and about 2.9%, respectively).

Claims

1. A fiber monofilament comprising: - at least 50% by weight of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), - an amino-functional polymer component, and - Epoxy functional crosslinking agent.

2. The fiber monofilament according to claim 1, further comprising: -Polymer additives.

3. The fiber monofilament according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: -Dispersants.

4. A fiber monofilament according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the amount of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is 50 to 95% by weight, - the amount of the amino-functional polymer component is 0.5 to 20% by weight, - the amount of the epoxy functional crosslinker is 0.1 to 5.0 wt. %, and / or - The amount of the polymer additive is from 0 to 25% by weight.

5. The fiber monofilament of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amino-functional polymer component is bio-based.

6. The fiber monofilament of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amino-functional polymer component is polysaccharide-based. 7 . The fiber monofilament according to claim 6 , wherein the polysaccharide-based amino-functional polymer component is a cellulose derivative or chitosan.

8. The fiber monofilament according to claim 7, wherein the cellulose derivative is amino-functionalized hydroxyethyl cellulose or amino-functionalized hydroxypropyl cellulose.

9. The fiber monofilament according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the amino-functional polymer component is an amine-terminated polyethylene oxide derivative or an amine-terminated polypropylene glycol derivative.

10. The fiber monofilament of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the epoxy functional crosslinking agent is based on diglycidyl ether chemistry.

11. The fiber monofilament of claim 10, wherein the epoxy-functional crosslinking agent is polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE).

12. The fiber monofilament according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the polymer additive is polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC), methyl cellulose (MC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC), methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MEHEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), ethyl cellulose (EC), starch, polyglycerol polyglycidyl ether, sorbitol polyglycidyl ether, or any combination thereof.

13. The fiber monofilament according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: -Monoepoxy reagents.

14. A method for producing a fiber monofilament, the method comprising: - forming an aqueous suspension comprising 80 to 98 wt% of water and 2 to 20 wt% of dry matter comprising non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), an amino-functional polymer component and an epoxy-functional crosslinking agent, said dry matter comprising at least 50 wt% of non-regenerated MFC, - extruding the suspension into monofilaments, and - Drying the monofilaments.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the dry matter further comprises a polymer additive.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the dry matter further comprises a dispersant.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the dry matter further comprises a monoepoxy reagent.

18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising adjusting the pH of the suspension to at least 7.

5.

19. A fiber material comprising the fiber monofilament according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

20. The fiber material according to claim 19, wherein the fiber material is a woven material or a knitted material.

21. The fibrous material of claim 19, wherein the fibrous material is a nonwoven material.

22. The fibrous material of claim 19, wherein the fibrous material is a composite material.

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