Woven fabric

Abstract

The present invention relates to a woven fabric comprising non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose in the form of fiber monofilaments. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods of making and using such fabrics and / or monofilaments.

Description

Background Art

[0001] In textile products, natural fibers such as cotton, linen and hemp offer more sustainable solutions compared to synthetic materials to reduce the environmental burden.

[0002] In some applications, fiber monofilaments can replace cotton, for example. Large-scale cotton cultivation requires large amounts of water resources. Cotton cultivation 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 problems. The use of cotton is unsustainable, and alternative fiber sources are needed. The properties and production methods previously proposed for paper yarns cannot replace cotton. Washing textiles requires water, heat, and detergents, which are often harmful to the environment.

[0003] FI20226179 describes a nonwoven fabric comprising non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose and a method for producing the same. FI20226181 describes a fiber monofilament and a method for producing the same.

[0004] There is a need to provide textiles that have improved comfort for the user and are easy to keep clean without requiring extensive washing at elevated temperatures or with environmentally harmful detergents.

[0005] There is also a continuous need to find products that can be manufactured as sustainable textiles on an industrial scale, thereby reducing environmental burden, land use and water consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention alleviates at least one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages or challenges associated with existing solutions.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a fabric having properties suitable for a variety of uses and which is environmentally sustainable. Another object is to provide a method for making fiber monofilaments and textiles.

[0008] The object of the invention is characterized by what is presented in the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0009] One advantage of the fabrics discussed herein is that their water footprint can be significantly reduced compared to existing solutions. The use of pulp-based fibers also enables the utilization and recycling of wood, pulp, and pulp waste. Furthermore, wood-based textile fibers use significantly less water than, for example, cotton. Another advantage of the fabrics and fiber monofilaments discussed in this disclosure is their good biodegradability.

[0010] Yet another advantage is that the fabrics described herein have an improved ability to reduce sweat odor in textiles. Additionally, the materials comprising the fiber monofilaments described herein have a soft hand, good thermal properties, and a reduced tendency to gray when compared to cotton. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figures 1a to 1e Graph showing the heat resistance of a fabric according to the invention relative to a reference fabric

[0012] Figure 2 Graph showing the heat resistance of a fabric according to the invention relative to a reference fabric

[0013] Figure 3 Graph showing the water vapor barrier performance of a fabric according to the invention relative to a reference fabric

[0014] Figure 4 A graphical comparison showing the washing results of fabrics of the invention and cotton used as a reference at different CMC dosages is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 Shown is a comparison of washed samples of fabrics of the invention and cotton used as a reference with different CMC dosages

[0016] Figure 6 Graphical representation showing the reduction in sweat odor intensity for fabrics composed of non-regenerated MFC monofilaments compared to cotton fabric DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] 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 the dry monofilament.

[0018] 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 microfibrillar 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In the present 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 mainly 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Fabrics containing or composed of non-recycled MFC monofilaments have a significantly smaller carbon footprint than conventional textile materials, for example, 72% smaller carbon emissions than conventional textile materials (based on a third-party assessment conducted by Clonet). The manufacture of such monofilaments uses 99.9% less water than traditional cotton.

[0023] The fabrics of the present invention disclosed herein comprise

[0024] The fabric comprising fiber monofilaments of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) has the following characteristics. The monofilaments comprise

[0025] a. 80 to 98% by weight of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC); and

[0026] b. 2 to 20% by weight of a dispersant selected from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose

[0027] (HEC), ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC), methyl cellulose (MC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose

[0028] (HPMC), hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC), methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MEHEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), ethyl cellulose (EC) and starch, or any mixture thereof, wherein the weight percentage is calculated based on the total weight of the fiber monofilament.

[0029] The fabric may comprise at least 20% by weight of fiber monofilaments and one or more additional fibrous materials selected from non-wood derived cellulose fibers, man-made cellulose fibers, and thermoplastic fibers, and any mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the fabric comprises at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% by weight of fiber monofilaments. In one embodiment, the fabric is composed of non-regenerated MFC monofilaments.

[0030] The fiber monofilament portion is biodegradable and offers all the benefits discussed here with respect to monofilaments. Such filaments have a small environmental footprint. Such monofilament-based materials can have good absorption properties. They can also be beneficial for heat retention. Such filament-based materials have good odor control and reduction. Such monofilament-based materials are easy to clean by washing.

[0031] The fabric may be woven or knitted.

[0032] In the manufacturing process stage of fiber monofilament, need dispersant to improve the separation of MFC fibrils and prevent their sedimentation or caking.Dispersant can be any anionic hydrophilic polymer.In an example, dispersant is carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and / or anionic polyacrylamide (aPAM).Alternatively, dispersant can be any one of following: 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) and starch, or its any combination.Dispersant also can have an impact on the shear strength of fiber monofilament.Anionic polyacrylamide (aPAM) also can be used as dispersant separately or in combination with another dispersant.

[0033] The dispersant has an effect on the shear strength of the fiber monofilament. The dispersant can be used in an amount of 0.5 to 20 weight percent of the total weight of the dry fiber monofilament. In one embodiment, the dispersant is used in an amount of 5 to 20 weight percent, or 2 to 16 weight percent, or about 13 to 16 weight percent, such as about 14 weight percent, of the total weight of the fiber monofilament.

[0034] For example, CMC can be used in an amount of 0.5 to 20 weight percent of the total weight of the dry fiber monofilament. In one embodiment, CMC is used in an amount of 5 to 20 weight percent or about 10 weight percent of the total weight of the material fiber monofilament. In one embodiment, the amount of CMC is 4 to 5 weight percent of the total weight of the material fiber monofilament. In one embodiment, the amount of CMC is 14 to 16 weight percent of the total weight of the fiber monofilament.

[0035] The strength additive may be a dry strength agent such as polyacrylamide resins (amphoteric / anionic / cationic), starch, vegetable gum, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and latex, or it may be a wet strength agent such as cationic glyoxylated resins, polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin resins (PAE), polyamine-epichlorohydrin resins, urea formaldehyde (UFH), epoxy resins, glyoxylated polyacrylamide (G-PAM), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and one or more suitable crosslinking agents such as polyurethane (PU) or durable water repellent (DWR) as known in the art.

[0036] Some chemicals have an influence on e.g. dispersibility and strength properties. If desired, for example two different qualities of CMC can be used.

[0037] At its simplest, the fabric may comprise only MFC and CMC and thus be fully and readily biodegradable.

[0038] The strength agent may be G-Pam. The amount of G-Pam may be 0.5 to 3 wt % of the total weight of the fiber monofilament, such as 2 wt % of the total weight of the dry fiber monofilament. The use of G-Pam allows the wet strength level to be changed from temporary to permanent.

[0039] The strength agent can be anionic polyacrylamide (aPAM). The amount of aPAM can range from 0.5 to 5 weight percent of the total weight of the dry fiber monofilaments, such as 2 to 4 weight percent of the dry weight of the fiber monofilaments. The higher the amount of aPAM, the better the elasticity of the fabric. aPAM is a superflocculant that can also be used as an additional dispersant. It improves the alignment of the fibers in the suspension when they are extruded through a small nozzle onto a solid surface. aPAM also affects the rheological properties of the suspension.

[0040] Strength additives, especially wet strength additives, must be cured (activated) by heat treatment to obtain the desired filament properties. Curing conditions can be optimized based on the desired properties of the additive and the final product (filament, yarn, fabric). For example, when PAE is used as a wet strength agent in the monofilaments of the fabrics described herein, wet tenacity and elongation increase after curing.

[0041] 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).

[0042] The hydrophobic binder may be alkyl ketene dimer (AKD, alkaline or neutral sizing agent), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA, sizing agent), rosin (acidic sizing agent), natural wax and modified sunflower based binder (MSOHO) or any mixture thereof.

[0043] The hydrophobic binder can be AKD. The amount can be 0.5 to 10 weight percent of the total weight of the dry fiber monofilament, such as 2 to 5 weight percent of the total weight of the dry fiber monofilament. As a hydrophobic binder, AKD reduces the adsorption properties of the monofilament or fabric described herein. AKD can also increase the strength of the monofilament or fabric described herein.

[0044] The fiber monofilaments may contain between 0.0 and 18% by weight, between 0.05 and 15% by weight, preferably between 0.1 and 10% by weight of additives.

[0045] The moisture sensitivity of hydrophilic MFC can be reduced by adding a hydrophobic component.In the context of the present disclosure, hydrophobicity is introduced with at least one of a natural wax, a thermoplastic, a sizing agent, and a natural rubber.

[0046] Man-made cellulose fiber can be selected from lyocell, viscose, modal, acetate and recycled textile waste fibers or any mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the man-made fiber is lyocell. Thin and long man-made cellulose fiber can improve the strength (for example, estimated as elasticity, toughness, durability, bursting strength) of fabric or yarn. In addition to the agents discussed above, pigments and softening agents, for example, can also be used. Lyocell and viscose are preferred. Lyocell fiber technology is environmentally friendly. Lyocell improves drape and provides good feel and softness.

[0047] Non-wood derived cellulosic fibers, man-made cellulosic fibers, thermoplastic fibers, or any mixture thereof can be used as the sole yarn, or they can be used to form a yarn blended with cellulosic monofilaments and another fiber.

[0048] Thermoplastic fibers may be selected from polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene / polyester and bicomponent short-cut fibers. Thermoplastic fibers improve the durability of the fabric and may provide tensile and static properties.

[0049] The non-wood derived cellulose fibers may be selected from cotton, hemp, flax, sisal, jute, kenaf, bamboo, peat and coconut or mixtures thereof, in particular cotton, flax and hemp or mixtures thereof. Non-wood cellulose fibers may improve the durability of the fabric. In addition, non-wood cellulose fibers may be used to adjust the adsorption properties.

[0050] Additionally, wool or silk may be used in the fabric. Wool is particularly useful when thermal insulation properties are desired.

[0051] The present disclosure also relates to a fiber non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose-based monofilament. The monofilament may comprise or consist of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and a dispersant. The properties may be modified as discussed above in conjunction with the fabric.

[0052] As used herein, the term "fiber monofilament" refers to a continuous length of single fibrils that are generally grouped and extended along the longitudinal dimension of a cellulose monofilament. The fibers can be interlocked to form a permanent monofilament structure. The monofilaments cannot be opened or disassembled. The fibers gathered together cannot be separated into substructures, such as fiber bands or strips, via, for example, mechanical cutting, grinding, or chemical separation means. The decomposition of the fiber monofilaments only produces a single fibril. The fiber monofilaments can include continuous lengths of several meters or several kilometers. The term "monofilament" refers to a single filament produced by extruding a polymer suspension. The fiber monofilaments may also be referred to as monofilament fibers.

[0053] The fiber monofilaments described herein can have a tenacity of at least 1 cN / dTex, or at least 1.5 cN / dTex, or 2 cN / dTex, when measured according to ASTM 3822 / D3822M-14.

[0054] In the longitudinal direction, the monofilament described herein can have a thickness of about 5 to 30 μm and a width of about 30 to 300 μm (the cross section can be flat). The high cross-sectional aspect ratio of the monofilament has an impact on the flexibility of the monofilament. The cross-sectional aspect ratio can be 30 to 300 μm:2 to 30 μm, or 30 to 200 μm:1 to 6 μm, or 30 to 120 μm:5 to 10 μm. The monofilament described herein comprises "non-regenerated cellulose". It should be noted that the desired performance depends on the field of use.

[0055] The usual order of addition of components (to the aqueous solution) to form an aqueous suspension in pulp and paper manufacturing is MFC, strength agent (e.g. PAE), dispersant (e.g. CMC) and in a later stage possible hydrophobic agent and further strength agent. Possible crosslinking agents may be added as early as possible to allow the crosslinking reaction to proceed.

[0056] When making the monofilament described herein, the above order can be used. First MFC and subsequent dispersant can be added to the aqueous suspension, and then strength agent, optional hydrophobic binder and possible other additives, such as other strength agent, can be added according to the application field. An exemplary formula with a suitable addition order is MFC+CMC+PAE+AKD+aPAM. It should be noted that some crosslinking agent activity may need to be in contact with the fiber in the early stage. Alternatively, CMC (or other dispersants) can be added before MFC.

[0057] A person skilled in the art will be able to determine suitable pH parameters for the activity of strength agents and adhesives using his common general knowledge and materials provided by chemical manufacturers.

[0058] It should be noted that in the simplest embodiment, fiber monofilaments and / or fabrics can be produced that contain or consist solely of MFC and a dispersant such as CMC. In such cases, the amount of CMC is at least 4% by weight, preferably at least 8%, 10%, 12% or even 14% by weight of the total dry weight of the monofilament.

[0059] The fiber monofilaments described herein are made from an aqueous suspension comprising water, non-regenerated cellulose fibers, and at least one dispersant, typically a cellulose derivative.

[0060] Fiber monofilaments may include between 800 and 1700 kg / m 3 Between, such as 1500kg / m 3 The fiber monofilament may comprise a linear mass density of 3 to 100 grams per 1000 meters, 2 to 10 dtex; or preferably a linear mass density of 3 to 10 dtex. The fiber monofilament may comprise a tenacity of 0.5 to 3.0 cN / dtex when measured according to ASTM 3822 / D3822M-14.

[0061] Other wood-based pulp fibers or other short natural cellulose fibers, such as cotton or linen or other short man-made cellulose fibers, such as regenerated cellulose fibers, such as viscose, Cupro or Lyocell, may also be included. When in a monofilament comprising non-regenerated MFC, the possible additional fibers must be refined to substantially the same size as the MFC.

[0062] In the manufacture method of fiber monofilament, aqueous suspension is guided (extruded) through a small nozzle, and fiber is aligned (orientation) well with flow at this nozzle. Nozzle feeds aqueous suspension to solid surface, is subsequently dried to obtain fiber monofilament. Therefore, manufactured fiber monofilament is continuous, but it can be processed into shorter length by any suitable method known in the art. Chemical post-treatment such as dyeing is also possible. The thickness of fiber monofilament can be at least partially affected by adjusting manufacturing speed, aqueous suspension concentration and nozzle geometry. The long filament and structure of short cellulose fibril tend to decompose in water. This characteristic has also enhanced their biodegradability.

[0063] The properties of fiber monofilaments and fabrics can be adjusted. For example, thickness and strength properties can be adapted to utilization and use. In addition, properties such as absorbency, softness, flexibility, sustainability, wear resistance, shape stability, elasticity / inelasticity and / or compatibility with other materials or yarns may have an impact on the utilization possibility of fiber monofilaments. Methods and chemicals known in the textile industry can be used. Wax can be used to change the softness and absorbency of filaments and / or fabrics. When used in large quantities, AKD as a hydrophobic agent reduces absorbency, increases strength and elasticity, and reduces the softness of the fabric.

[0064] The present disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing a fabric, the method comprising the steps of:

[0065] (a) Providing fiber monofilaments which are usually cut into short fibers

[0066] (b) Forming yarn by spinning

[0067] (c) Weaving to obtain fabric by known methods

[0068] or

[0069] (d) knitting by known methods, optionally at reduced speed, to obtain a fabric

[0070] The general steps for making a yarn comprising fiber filaments and optionally other fibers are:

[0071] ■ Open one or more bales (if fiber is in bundles) or the desired fiber

[0072] ■ Create the desired blend (unless pure monofilament is required), for example 70% cotton and 30% fiber monofilament (usually in staple form)

[0073] ■ Comb to get slivers

[0074] ■ Obtain parallel fibers through needle punching and drawing, and adjust the strength and uniformity of the sliver

[0075] ■Woollen

[0076] ■ Spinning; Thin yarns useful according to the present disclosure may have Ne 30, while thicker yarns may have Ne 24,

[0077] 18 or 12; Ne = 590.5 / tex

[0078] ■ If necessary, plied yarns are usually plied to provide sufficient toughness and strength. Yarns with a count of 30 / 24 are often suitable for knitting apparel fabrics. For weaving, for example, Ne 30 / 2 is suitable.

[0079] One skilled in the art will be able to select appropriate yarns based on desired properties, such as the structure and square weight of the fabric.

[0080] In one embodiment, the fabric or fiber monofilament comprises only MFC and a dispersant such as CMC. In such cases, the amount of CMC is at least 4 wt %, preferably at least 8 wt %, 10 wt %, 12 wt % or even 14 wt % of the total dry weight of the fabric or the fiber monofilament.

[0081] It should be understood that the embodiments provided in the above description are for illustrative purposes only and that various changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the terms employed herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. Features described herein as separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. In addition, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0082] The present invention is described below with the aid of examples. The examples given are for illustrative purposes only and they do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0083] Examples

[0084] Example 1. Properties of fiber monofilaments with different formulations

[0085] Monofilaments were formed as described in WO 2018 / 115577 A1. The compositions of the monofilament samples are given in Table 1 below.

[0086] Table 1. Composition of test samples

[0087] Test number formula 1REF MFC+CMC 14%+aPam 1.4%+PAE 2%+0.5%AKD 2 MFC+CMC 14%+aPam 1.4%+PAE 2% 3 MFC+CMC 14%+aPam 1.4% 4 MFC+CMC 4%+PAE 2%+AKD 0.5% 5 MFC+CMC 4%+aPam 1.4%+PEO 0.5% 6 MFC+CMC 4%+aPam 1.4%+PEO 0.5%+PAE 2%+AKD 0.5% 7 MFC+CMC 4%+PEO 5% 8 MFC+CMC 4%+PEO 5%+PAE 2%+AKD 0.5%

[0088] The samples were evaluated for processability, % elongation, tenacity (cN / dTex), filament width (μ), and gel strength (Pa).

[0089] The measurements were carried out in accordance with standard ASTM 3822 / D3822M-14 at RH 65% (+ / - 2%) and temperature 20° C. (+ / - 2° C.) Unless otherwise stated, the same standards were used in the following experiments.

[0090] result

[0091] The results are shown below Figures 1a to 1e and Table 2.

[0092] Table 2. Average results, trial 1 represents the reference

[0093]

[0094] in conclusion

[0095] The results show that in the simplest case, monofilaments can be produced using only MFC and a sufficient amount of dispersant. Monofilaments can be formed (spun) with only 4% by weight; 14% by weight provides good tenacity, elongation and processability.

[0096] Sample 5 shows that even with 4 wt% CMC, when PEO and a-Pam are added, the toughness level of the reference sample is achieved, and PEO alone (Sample 7) is not sufficient to provide toughness.

[0097] As can be seen from sample 3a, CMC without a-Pam provides good rheological properties (gel strength), ie, it has sufficient dispersion properties.

[0098] When comparing samples 68 and 8, it can be seen that AKD slightly reduces the toughness. However, AKD is a hydrophobic binder which has the effect of controlling water adsorption.

[0099] In the compositions tested, PAE is required to obtain good wet toughness, showing only 2 wt% results. PEO is not significant in the properties tested here.

[0100] Example 2: Effect of HEC on Monofilament

[0101] In this experiment, it was shown that HEC added to the monofilament formulation increased the elasticity of the monofilament. Table 3 below summarizes the formulations tested and the properties measured. The fiber monofilaments were prepared as described in WO 2018 / 115577.

[0102] Table 3

[0103]

[0104]

[0105] For example, HEC has been shown to increase the elasticity of monofilaments.

[0106] Elasticity is a desired property, especially in clothing textiles.

[0107] Example 3. Performance

[0108] The following fabrics were used for performance testing:

[0109] 1. French Terry, 67% CO 33% fiber monofilament, 305gsm

[0110] 2. French Terry (reference fabric), 100% CO, 390gsm

[0111] 3. 1X1 rib fabric, 70% CO 30% fiber monofilament, 135gsm

[0112] 4. 1X1 rib fabric (reference fabric), 100% CO, 185gsm

[0113] 5. Single jersey (reference fabric), 100% CO, 145gsm

[0114] 6. 2 / 2 twill, 79% CO 21% monofilament, 330gsm

[0115] 7. 3 / 1 twill (reference fabric), 98% CO 2% EL, 320gsm

[0116] 8. Plain weave, 74% CO 26% fiber monofilament, 230gsm

[0117] 9. Plain weave, 100% CO, 220gsm

[0118] Measured according to EN ISO 11092:2014 Heat resistance The results are as follows Figure 2 As shown. Textiles with the same structure can be compared with each other; the square weight is not decisive (preliminary results with exactly the same square weight emphasize the thermal properties of fabrics with fiber monofilaments. The results show that only 30% of the fiber monofilaments are in the fabric, and a lower square weight is observed to significantly improve the thermal resistance.

[0119] Measured according to EN ISO 11092:2014 Water vapor barrier properties The results for fabrics containing fiber monofilaments were at the same level as those for pure cotton.

[0120] The following standards are used for measurement

[0121] AATCC 201(2014)-Drying Rate

[0122] The results are shown in Figure 3 and Table 4 below.

[0123] fabric samples Drying rate / mm / s 3.70% CO 30% fiber monofilament, 135gsm 1.13 4.1X1 rib fabric, 100% CO, 185gsm 1.02 5. Single jersey fabric, 100% CO, 145gsm 1.03 6.79% CO 21% fiber monofilament, 330gsm 0.69 7. Twill, 98% CO 2% EL, 320gsm 1.0

[0124] Example 4. Anti-redeposition performance

[0125] The fabric according to the invention is a twill fabric comprising 100% cotton 40 / 2 Nm in the weft direction, 60% monofilament / 40% lyocell 30 / 2 Nm in the weft direction, which is compared with a knitted cotton.

[0126] Washing test by Nouyron The following tests were performed in a research and development laboratory in Finland using a Copley Scientific Tergotometer and a Power detergent formulation with and without a high-quality detergent-specific CMC. The wash temperature was 25°C. A 60-minute wash cycle with hard water at 18° dH was used, followed by a 15-minute rinse. Carbon black was used as the test soil without detergent.

[0127] Whiteness was measured before and after washing using a Minolta CM-3610d spectrophotometer and is given in CIE units.

[0128] result

[0129] The fabric containing non-regenerated MFC has a whiter reference value, i.e. washed without CMC. A good anti-redeposition response was observed with the fabric containing MFC monofilaments already in a low dosage of CMC (5%). Figure 4 It can be seen that the fabrics with fiber monofilaments are lighter than the references with CMC levels of 0 wt%, 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt%. Figure 5 It can be seen that when the CMC dosage is increased to 2 wt% of the formulation, there is no improvement in whiteness compared to cotton.

[0130] Example 5: Deodorization Test

[0131] Analytical test of sweat odor reduction by German The study was conducted by Hohenstein Laboratories GmbH & Co. KG of Johansen, Germany, comparing fabrics composed of non-recycled MFC and fabrics composed of 100% cotton.

[0132] To investigate the effectiveness of textiles in reducing sweat odor, a defined amount of Hohenstein sweat odor simulant was applied to textile samples (2 cm x 2 cm). The samples were then placed in special odor bags to detect sweat odor at two time points (0 h and 1 h). After incubation in a sealed bag at 37°C for 60 minutes, a trained panel (according to the international standard of Maxeiner et al., 2009) assessed the odor intensity of the evaporated sweat malodor using an olfaction sampling unit in accordance with VDI 3882.

[0133] result

[0134] Odor intensity levels according to VDI 3882

[0135] 6 Extremely Strong

[0136] 5 Very strong

[0137] Top 4

[0138] 3 obvious

[0139] 3 weak

[0140] 1 Very weak

[0141] 0Unnoticeable

[0142] The odor intensity of the samples was determined by the panelists.

[0143] The average value of three determinations is shown in Figure 6 .

[0144] The reduction in sweat odor intensity of the test sample can be determined for at least one intensity point compared to the reference. If the average value of the sweat odor intensity is at least 1 intensity point lower than the average value of the reference (cotton) textile, the product can be rated as "odor reduced".

Claims

1. A fabric comprising fiber monofilaments of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), wherein the monofilaments comprise: a. 80 to 98% by weight of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC); and b. 2 to 20 wt% of a dispersant selected from 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) and starch, or any mixture thereof, The weight percentage is calculated based on the total weight of the fiber monofilament.

2. The fabric of claim 1 comprising at least 20% by weight of fiber monofilaments and one or more additional fiber materials selected from the group consisting of non-wood derived cellulosic fibers, man-made cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic fibers, and any mixtures thereof.

3. The fabric according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the a. non-wood derived cellulose fibers selected from cotton, hemp, flax, sisal, jute, kenaf, bamboo, peat and coconut or mixtures thereof; such as cotton, flax, hemp or mixtures thereof; and / or b. Man-made cellulosic fibers selected from lyocell, viscose, modal, acetate, rayon and recycled textile waste fibers or any mixture thereof; and / or c. Thermoplastic fibers are selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene / polyester, and bicomponent chopped fibers.

4. The fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fabric is woven or knitted.

5. The fabric of claim 1, wherein the monofilaments further comprise additives selected from strength additives, hydrophobic binders, pigments, and / or other modifiers.

6. The fabric according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the strength additive is: a dry strength agent such as polyacrylamide resin (amphoteric / anionic / cationic), starch, vegetable gum, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and latex; or a wet strength agent such as cationic glyoxylated resin, polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin resin (PAE), polyamine-epichlorohydrin resin, urea formaldehyde (UFH), epoxy resin; and a cross-linking agent.

7. The fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophobic binder is selected from alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), rosin, natural wax and modified sunflower based binder (MSOHO).

8. The fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strength additive is G-Pam in an amount of 0.5 to 3 wt% of the total weight of the fiber monofilaments, such as 2 wt% of the total weight of the fiber monofilaments.

9. The fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strength agent is anionic polyacrylamide (aPAM) in an amount of 0.5 to 5 wt % of the total weight of the fiber monofilaments, such as 2 to 4 wt % of the total weight of the fiber monofilaments.

10. The fabric of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strength agent is PEO in an amount of 0.5 to 5 wt% based on the total weight of the fiber monofilaments.

11. The fabric according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydrophobic binder is AKD in an amount of 0.5 to 10 wt% of the total weight of the fiber monofilaments, such as 2 to 5 wt% of the total weight of the fiber monofilaments.

12. A fiber monofilament of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), the fiber monofilament comprising: a. 80 to 98% by weight of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC); and b. 2 to 20 wt% of a dispersant selected from 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) and starch, or any mixture thereof, The weight percentage is calculated based on the total weight of the fiber monofilament.

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