Woven fabric

Abstract

A woven fabric that includes non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose in the form of fibrous monofilaments. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and using such fabric and / or monofilament.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] In textile products natural fibers such as cotton, linen, hemp provide a more sustainable solution compared to synthetic materials to reduce environmental burden.

[0002] In some applications fibrous monofilament enables to replace e.g. cotton. Large-scale cotton cultivation requires significant resources of water. Cotton cultivation is widely carried out in regions already experiencing shortage of both water and food. Cotton cultivation reduces the available farming area for food production, increases consumption of water, and worsens the food and water supply problem. The use of cotton is unsustainable and replacing fiber sources are needed. Previously presented properties and production methods of paper yarn have not enabled replacing cotton. Laundering textiles requires water, heat and detergents, which are often harmful to the environment.

[0003] F120226179 describes nonwoven fabrics comprising non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose and methods for manufacturing them. F120226181 describes fibrous monofilament, a method of manufacturing thereof.

[0004] There is a need for providing textiles with improved comfort for a user and easy to keep clean without extensive washes in elevated temperatures or environmentally harmful detergents.

[0005] There is also a continuous need to find products which can be manufactured as sustainable textiles in industrial scale and thereby reduce the environmental burden, land usage and water consumption.SUMMARY

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

[0007] The aim of the invention is to provide fabrics having properties suitable for multiple uses and which are environmentally sustainable. A further aim is to provide manufacturing methods for fibrous monofilaments and textiles.

[0008] The objects of the invention are characterized in what is presented in the independent claims. Some advantageous embodiments of the invention are presented in the dependent claims.

[0009] One advantage of the fabrics discussed here is that their water footprint may be remarkably lower compared to existing solutions. Use of pulp-based fibers enables also utilization and recycling of wood, pulp and pulp waste. In addition, water usage with wood-based textile fibers is remarkably lower compared with e.g. cotton. Another advantage of the fabric and fibrous monofilaments discussed in this disclosure is their good biodegradability.

[0010] Still one further advantage is that the fabric here described has an improved ability to reduce sweat odour in textiles as well as. In addition, materials comprising fibrous monofilaments here described have a soft hand-feel, good thermal properties and reduced tendency for greying when compared to cotton.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIGS. 1a-e shows a graphical presentation of thermal resistance properties of the fabrics according to the invention in view of reference fabrics

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a graphical presentation of thermal resistance properties of the fabrics according to the invention in view of reference fabrics

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a graphical presentation of water vapour resistance properties of the fabrics according to the invention in view of reference fabrics

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a graphical comparison of wash results with different CMC dosage for fabric of the invention and cotton used as a reference

[0015] FIG. 5 shows a comparison of washed samples with different CMC dosage for fabric of the invention and cotton used as a reference

[0016] FIG. 6 shows a graphical presentation of reduction of sweat odour intensity of the fabric consisting of non-regenerated MFC monofilaments in comparison to cotton fabricDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the present disclosure the percentage values relating to an amount or share of raw materials are percentages by weight (wt.-%) with respect to a dry monofilament, unless otherwise indicated.

[0018] Plant materials are built up by a matrix formed by cellulose fibers also containing lignin and hemicelluloses. The cellulosic fibers that form such a matrix are fibril bundles which in turn consist of microfibrils. Through a fibrillation process the cellulose fibers are separated into a three-dimensional network of microfibrils with a large surface area. These entangled fibrils are called microfibrillar cellulose (MFC). The width of entangled fibrils in MFC may be from 50 nanometers to 2 micrometers and length or longitudinal dimension may be from 100 nanometers to 500 micrometers, such as from 100 nanometers to 200 micrometers.

[0019] Within context of this disclosure, the method of manufacturing MFC is not limited. MFC may be produced from cellulose fibers using methods known within the art through high pressure, high temperature and high velocity impact homogenization, for instance. The homogenization process is used to delaminate or disintegrate the cell walls of the fibers and to liberate their sub-structural fibrils and microfibrils. Enzymatic and / or mechanical pre-treatments of wood fibers may also be used.

[0020] In the present disclosure expressions “non-regenerated cellulose” or “natural cellulose” refer to cellulose or cellulose fibrils or fibers that have not undergone chemical or physical modification of their macromolecular structure. Non-regenerated MFC as discussed herein is substantially non-regenerated and consists mainly of crystalline structure of cellulose I. Cellulose I may have structures Iα and Iβ. Man-made cellulosic fibers commonly used in textile applications are regenerated and their crystalline structure is mainly other than cellulose I. Conversion of cellulose I to cellulose II (or other forms, like cellulose Ill or cellulose IV) is irreversible. Thus, these forms are stable and cannot be converted back to cellulose I.

[0021] Within context of this disclosure, cellulose may originate from any plant-based material. Plant-based raw material may be wood material or non-wood material. The wood material can be based on softwood tree, such as spruce, pine, fir, larch, Douglas-fir or hemlock, or on hardwood tree, such as birch, aspen, poplar, alder, eucalyptus or acacia, or on any mixture of above. The non-wood material may be as cotton, hemp, flax, sisal, jute, kenaf, bamboo, peat, or coconut. Non-wood based natural cellulose fibers may also be derived from agricultural residues, grasses, or other plant substances such as straw, leaves, bark, seeds, hulls, flowers, vegetables, or fruits. Woody plants have a good availability, small environmental burden and the quality of fiber is good. The above applies both to non-regenerated cellulose and also regenerated and processed forms of cellulose.

[0022] The fabric comprising or consisting of non-regenerated MFC monofilaments has considerable smaller carbon footprint than conventional textile materials, e.g. 72% smaller carbon emission than conventional textile materials (footprint from 3rd party assessment made by Clonet). Manufacturing of such monofilament uses 99.9% less water than conventional cotton.

[0023] The present fabric disclosed herein comprises

[0024] The fabric comprising fibrous monofilaments of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) has the following characteristics. Said monofilament comprises

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

[0026] b. 2 to 20 wt. % dispersion agent(s) selected from carboxymethylcellulose (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,wherein the weight percentage is calculated from the total weight of said fibrous monofilament.

[0027] The fabric may comprise at least 20 wt.-% fibrous monofilaments and one or more further fibrous material selected from non-wood derived cellulosic fiber(s), man-made cellulosic fiber(s) and thermoplastic fibers and any mixture thereof. In one embodiment the fabric comprises at least 30 wt.-%, at least 40 wt.-%, at least 50 wt.-%, at least 60 wt.-%, at least 70 wt.-%, at least 80 wt.-%, at least 90 wt.-% or at least 95 wt.-% of fibrous monofilaments. In one embodiment the fabric consists of non-regenerated MFC monofilaments.

[0028] The share of the fibrous monofilament is biodegradable and has all the benefits discussed here in connection of the monofilament. Such filament has a small environmental footprint. Such monofilament based material may have good absorption properties. It may be a good for thermal insulation. Such filament based material has a good odor control and reduction. Such monofilament based material is easy to clean by washing.

[0029] The fabric may be woven or knitted.

[0030] The dispersing agent is needed in the manufacturing process phase of the fibrous monofilament to improve separation of the MFC fibrils and to prevent their settling or clumping. The dispersing agent can be any anionic hydrophilic polymer. In an example, the dispersing agent is carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and / or anionic polyacrylamide (aPAM). Alternatively, the dispersing agent may be any of the 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 any combination thereof. Dispersing agent may also have an effect on shear strength of the fibrous monofilament. Also anionic polyacrylamide (aPAM) can be used as a dispersion agent, alone or in combination with another dispersion agent.

[0031] The dispersion agent has an effect on shear strength of the fibrous monofilament. The dispersion agent may be used in an amount of 0.5 to 20 wt.-% of the total weight of the dry fibrous monofilament. In one embodiment the dispersion agent is used in amount of 5 to 20 wt.-%, or 2 to 16 wt.-% or about 13 to 16 wt.-% such as about 14 wt.-% of the total weight of the fibrous monofilament.

[0032] For example, CMC may be used in an amount of 0.5 to 20 wt.-% of the total weight of the dry fibrous monofilament. In one embodiment CMC is used in amount of 5 to 20 wt.-% or about 10 wt.-% of the total weight of the material fibrous monofilament. In one embodiment CMC is used 4 to 5 wt.-% of the total weight of the material fibrous monofilament. In one embodiment CMC is used 14 to 16 wt.-% of the total weight of the fibrous monofilament.

[0033] The strength additive may be a dry strength agent such as polyacrylamide resin (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, ureaformaldehyde (UFH), epoxide resins, glyoxylated polyacrylamides (G-PAM), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and one or more suitable cross-linking agent such as polyurethane (PU) or a durable water repellent (DWR) known in the art.

[0034] Some chemicals have effect on e.g. dispersion and strength properties. If desired, e.g. two different qualities of CMC may be used.

[0035] At simplest a fabric may comprise only MFC and CMC thereby being completely and easily biodegradable.

[0036] 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 fibrous monofilament, such as 2 wt.-% of the total weight of the dry fibrous monofilament. Use of G-Pam allows modifying the wet strength level from temporary towards permanent.

[0037] The strength agent may be anionic polyacrylamide (aPAM). The amount of APAM may be 0.5 to 5 wt.-% of the total weight of the dry fibrous monofilament, such as 2 to 4 wt.-% of dry weight of the fibrous monofilament. The higher is the amount of aPAM the better is the elasticity of the fabric. aPAM is a super-flocculant also usable as an additional dispersion agent. It improves alignment of fibers in the suspension while they are extruded through a small nozzle on to a solid surface. aPAM has also effect on suspension rheology.

[0038] The strength additive, especially the wet strength additive, must be cured (activated) by a heat treatment in order to obtain desired filament properties. Curing conditions can be optimized based on the additive and desired properties of the final product (filament, yarn, fabric). For example, when PAE is used as a wet strength agent in the monofilament of fabric here described, wet tenacity and elongation increase after curing.

[0039] Tenacity is a customary measure of strength of a fiber or yarn. It is usually defined as the ultimate (breaking) force of the fiber / yarn (in gram-force units) divided by the linear density. Tenacity is often expressed as cN / (d)tex. Linear density is a value expressing the fiber / yarn weight in grams per 1 000 meters of fiber / yarn (tex) or grams per 10 000 meters of fiber / yarn (dtex).

[0040] The hydrophobic adhesive may be alkyl ketene dimer (AKD, an alkaline or neutral sizing agent), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA, sizing agent), rosin (acidic sizing agent), natural waxes, and modified sunflower-based adhesive (MSOHO) or any mixture thereof.

[0041] Said hydrophobic adhesive may be AKD. The amount may be 0.5 to 10 wt.-% of the total weight of the dry fibrous monofilament, such as 2 to 5 wt.-% of the total weight of the dry fibrous monofilament. As a hydrophobic adhesive AKD reduces the adsorption properties of the monofilament or fabric here described. AKD may also increase strength of the monofilament or fabric here described.

[0042] The fibrous monofilament may comprise additive(s) between 0.0 and 18 wt.-%, between 0.05 and 15 wt.-%, preferably between 0.1 and 10 wt.-%.

[0043] The moisture sensitivity of hydrophilic MFC may be reduced by incorporating a hydrophobic component. Within context of this disclosure, the hydrophobicity is introduced with at least one of a natural wax, a thermoplast a sizing agent, and natural rubber.

[0044] Man-made cellulosic fiber(s) may 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 cellulosic fibers may improve strength (estimated e.g. as resilience, tenacity, durability, bursting strength) of the fabric or yarn(s). In addition to the above discussed agent e.g., pigments and softening agents may be used. Lyocell and viscose are preferred. Lyocell process on environmentally friendly. Lyocell fibre improves draping and provides a good hand-feel and softness

[0045] Non-wood derived cellulosic fiber(s), man-made cellulosic fiber(s), thermoplastic fibers or any mixture thereof may be used as separate yarns or they can be used to form yarn mixed with the cellulosic monofilament and another fibre.

[0046] Thermoplastic fibers may be selected from polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene / polyester, and bi-component short cut fibers. Thermoplastic fibers improve durability of the fabric and may provide stretching properties and static properties.

[0047] Non-wood derived cellulosic fibers may be selected from cotton, hemp, flax, sisal, jute, kenaf, bamboo, peat, and coconut or a mixture thereof, especially cotton, flax, and hemp or a mixture thereof. Non-wood cellulosic fibers may improve durability of the fabric. In addition, non-wood cellulosic fibers may can be used for tailoring adsorption properties.

[0048] Also, wool or silk can be used in the fabric. Wool is especially useful when insulation properties are desired.

[0049] The present disclosure also relates to a fibrous non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose based monofilament. The monofilament may comprise, or consist of, non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and a dispersion agent(s). The properties can be modified as discussed above in connection of a fabric.

[0050] The term “fibrous monofilament” as used here refers to a continuous length of individual fibrils grouped and extending generally along the longitudinal dimension of the cellulose monofilament. The fibers may be interlocked together in order to form a permanent monofilament structure. The monofilament cannot be opened or disassembled. Fibers grouped together cannot be separated into substructures, such as fiber ribbons or strips via e.g., mechanical cutting, grinding or chemical separating means. Disintegration of fibrous monofilament yields only individual fibrils. The fibrous monofilament may comprise continuous length of several meters or kilometers. Term “monofilament” refers to a single strand filament produced by extruding a polymer suspension. Fibrous monofilament may also be called a monofilament fiber.

[0051] The fibrous monofilament here described may have, when measured following ASTM 3822 / D3822M-14 standard, a tenacity at least 1 cN / dTex or at least 1.5 cN / dTex or 2 cN / dTex.

[0052] In relation of longitudinal direction, the monofilaments described here may have a thickness of about 5 to 30 μm and a width of about 30 to 300 μm (cross section may be flattened). A high cross sectional aspect ratio of the monofilaments has effect on the flexibility of the monofilament. The cross-sectional aspect ratio may 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. Monofilaments described here comprise “non-regenerated cellulose”. It is to be noted that the desired properties are dependent on the field of use.

[0053] Usual order of adding the components (added to an aqueous solution) to form the aqueous suspension in pulp & paper manufacture is MFC, strength agent (e.g. PAE), dispersing agent (e.g. CMC) and in the following stage(s) possible hydrophobic agent and further strength agents. Possible cross-linker agent may be added as early as possible in order to allow the cross-linking reaction to proceed.

[0054] When manufacturing a monofilament here described, the above order may be used. First MFC and then a dispersion agent may be added to the aqueous suspension and thereafter, depending on the field of application a strength agent, optional hydrophobic adhesive and possible further additives, e.g. further strength agents. One exemplary recipe with a suitable adding order is MFC+CMC+PAE+AKD+aPAM. It is to be noted that certain crosslinker activity may require contact with the fiber at early state already. Alternatively, the CMC (or other dispersion agent) may be added before MFC.

[0055] A person skilled in the art is able to determine suitable pH parameters for activity of strength agents and adhesives using his common general knowledge and the material provided by the chemical manufacturer.

[0056] It is to be noted that in the simplest embodiment, it is possible to produce a fibrous monofilament and / or a fabric comprising, or consisting of, only MFC and dispersing agent such as CMC. In such case 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 monofilament.

[0057] A fibrous monofilament here described is made of an aqueous suspension. Aqueous suspension comprises water, non-regenerated cellulosic fibers and at least one dispersion agent, typically a cellulose derivative.

[0058] The fibrous monofilament may comprise density between 800 and 1700 kg / m3, such as 1500 kg / m3. The fibrous monofilament may comprise linear mass density of 3-100 grams per 1000 meters, being 2-10 dtex; or preferably linear mass density of 3-10 dtex. The fibrous monofilament may comprise tenacity of 0.5-3.0 cN / dtex, when measured according to ASTM 3822 / D3822M-14.

[0059] It is possible to include also other wood-based pulp fibers or other short natural cellulose fibers like cotton or flax or other short man-made cellulose fibers, such as regenerated cellulose fibers like viscose, Cupro or Lyocell. Possible further fibers must be refined to substantially same size as MFC when within the monofilament comprising non-regenerated MFC.

[0060] In the manufacturing method of the fibrous monofilament the aqueous suspension is directed (extruded) through a small nozzle where fibers align (orient) well with the flow. The nozzle feeds the aqueous suspension to a solid surface which is followed by drying to obtain the fibrous monofilament. Thus, manufactured fibrous monofilament is continuous but it may be post processed into shorter lengths by any of suitable methods known in the art. Also chemical post treatments such as dyeing are possible. Thickness of the fibrous monofilament may be affected at least in part by adapting manufacturing speed, aqueous suspension concentration and nozzle geometry. Filaments and structures of short cellulosic fibrils tend to become disintegrated in water. This property also enhances their biodegradability.

[0061] Properties of the fibrous monofilament and fabric may be tailored. For example, thickness and strength properties can be adapted to the utilization and use. Also, properties like absorbency, softness, flexibility, sustainability, wear-sustainability, shape stability, elasticity / inelasticity and / or combinability with other materials or yarns may have effect on utilization possibilities of the fibrous monofilament. Methods and chemicals known within the textile industry can be used. Waxes can be used to modify the softness and absorbency of the filament and / or fabric. AKD as a hydrophobic agent reduces absorbency, increases the strength and resilience, and reduces the softness of the fabric when used in high amount.

[0062] The present disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing a fabric comprising the steps of:

[0063] (a) providing fibrous monofilament, typically cut into a staple fibre

[0064] (b) forming a yarn by spinning

[0065] (c) weaving by known methods to obtain a fabric or

[0066] (d) knitting by known methods, optionally with lowered speed, to obtain a fabric

[0067] General steps for manufacturing yarn comprising fibrous monofilament and optionally other fibre(s) are:

[0068] opening a bale(if baled fibres) or bales or desired fibres

[0069] forming a desired blend (unless pure monofilament is desired), e.g. 70% cotton and 30% fibrous monofilament (often in form of staple fibers)

[0070] carding to obtain sliver

[0071] pin drafting to obtain parallel fibres and adjust strength of the sliver and uniform sliver

[0072] roving

[0073] spinning yarn; a thin yarn usable according to this disclosure may have Ne 30 whether thicker ones may have Ne 24, 18 or 12; Ne=590.5 / tex

[0074] plying, if desired. Typically warp is plied to obtain sufficient tenacity and strength. Yarns of count 30 / 24 is typically suitable for knitted clothing fabric. For weaving e.g. Ne 30 / 2 is suitable.

[0075] A person skilled in the art is able to select suitable yarn based on desired properties, such as structure and square weight of the fabric.

[0076] In one embodiment the fabric or fibrous monofilament comprises only MFC and a dispersing agent such as CMC. In such a case 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 said fibrous monofilament.

[0077] It should be understood that the embodiments given in the description above are for illustrative purposes only, and that various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The features described here as separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Also, various features described here in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0078] The invention is described below with the help of examples. The examples are given only for illustrative purpose, and they do not limit the scope of the invention.ExamplesExample 1. Properties of Fibrous Monofilaments with Various Recipes

[0079] Monofilaments were formed as explained in WO 2018 / 115577 A1. The compositions of the monofilament samples are given in Table 1 below.TABLE 1Compositions of the test samplesTrial noRecipe1 REFMFC + CMC 14% + aPam 1.4% + PAE 2% + 0.5% AKD2MFC + CMC 14% + aPam 1.4% + PAE 2%3MFC + CMC 14% + aPam 1.4%4MFC + CMC 4% + PAE 2% + AKD 0.5%5MFC + CMC 4% + aPam 1.4% + PEO 0.5%6MFC + CMC 4% + aPam 1.4% + PEO 0.5% + PAE 2% + AKD 0.5%7MFC + CMC 4% + PEO 5%8MFC + CMC 4% + PEO 5% + PAE 2% + AKD 0.5%

[0080] The samples were evaluated for workability, elongation %, tenacity (cN / dTex), filament width (p) and gel strength (Pa).

[0081] The measurements followed standard ASTM 3822 / D3822M-14 at RH 65% (+ / −2%) and temperature 20° C. (+ / −2° C.). Unless otherwise explained, the same standard was used also in the following experiments.Results

[0082] Results are shown in FIGS. 1a to 1e and table 2 below.TABLE 2Average results, Trial 1 represents a referenceGelMonofilament propertiesDSC,strength ofLD,Elongation,Tenacity,Trial%suspensiondTex%cN / dTexWorkabilityWidth, μm15.0359565.827.461.961467024.8052304.557.622.121618034.9346854.577.202.101526344.97100044.721.380.51711754.7987754.177.462.151607364.7576314.356.391.651066874.7780124.407.561.901447984.7582984.607.141.5911498CONCLUSIONS

[0083] It is shown that in simplest it is possible to produce a monofilament using only MFC and dispersion agent in sufficient amount. A monofilament comprising only 4 wt.-% could be formed (spun) into a monofilament; 14 wt.-% provided a good tenacity, elongation and workability.

[0084] Sample 5 demonstrates that even with 4 wt.-% CMC a tenacity level of the reference sample is obtained when PEO and a-Pam are added, PEO alone (sample 7) is not sufficient to provide tenacity.

[0085] From sample 3 a, it can be seen that CMC without a-Pam provides a good rheology (gel strength) i.e. it has sufficient dispergation properties.

[0086] When sample68 and 8 are compared, it can be seen that AKD slightly reduces the tenacity. However, AKD is a hydrophobic adhesive has a role in controlling water adsorption.

[0087] In tested compositions PAE was needed to obtain a good wet tenacity, only 2 wt.-% results are shown. PEO was not remarkable in the properties tested here.Example 2: Effect of HEC on Monofilament

[0088] In this experiment it was shown that HEC added to the monofilament recipe increased elasticity of the monofilament. Table 3 below summarized the tested recipes and the measured properties. The fibrous monofilaments were prepared as explained in WO 2018 / 115577.TABLE 3DSCHECPAECMCa-PamElongation,Tenacity,Rheology%%%%%%cN / dTexWorkabilityG′REF 15.402121.47.261.921396480(CMC 12%)REF 25.402101.06.951.961368588(CMC 10%)REF 35.402141.46.931.991386254(CMC 14%)HEC 10%5.4102121.47.411.811344966(CMC 12%)HEC 15%5.4152121.47.751.911484466(CMC 12%)HEC 20%5.4202121.47.11.711224113(CMC 12%)HEC 25%5.4252121.48.031.941553788(CMC 12%)HEC 25%5.4252101.07.431.831364361(CMC 10%)HEC 25%5.4252141.48.041.831483507(CMC 14%)

[0089] It is shown e.g. that HEC increases the elasticity of the monofilament.

[0090] Elasticity is a desired property in especially in clothing textiles.Example 3. Performance

[0091] The fabrics were prepared using conventional methods. The following fabrics were used for performance tests

[0092] 1. French terry, 67% CO 33% fibrous monofilament, 305 gsm

[0093] 2. French terry (reference fabric), 100% CO, 390 gsm

[0094] 3. 1×1 rib, 70% CO 30% fibrous monofilament, 135 gsm

[0095] 4. 1×1 rib (reference fabric), 100% CO, 185 gsm

[0096] 5. Single jersey (reference fabric), 100% CO, 145 gsm

[0097] 6. 2 / 2 twill, 79% CO 21% fibrous monofilament, 330 gsm

[0098] 7. 3 / 1 twill (reference fabric), 98% CO 2% EL, 320 gsm

[0099] 8. Plain weave, 74% CO 26% fibrous monofilament, 230 gsm

[0100] 9. Plain weave, 100% CO, 220 gsm

[0101] The thermal resistance was measured according to EN ISO 11092:2014. The results are shown in FIG. 2. 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 by the fabric with fibrous monofilaments. It was shown that with only 30% fibrous monofilament is the fabric and lower square weight a clear improvement in thermal resistance was observed.

[0102] Water vapour resistance was measured according to EN ISO 11092:2014. The results with the fabric comprising fibrous monofilament was on the same level as the results with pure cotton.

[0103] Following standards were used for measurements

[0104] AATCC 201 (2014)—Drying Rate

[0105] The results are shown in FIG. 3 and below in Table 4.Fabric sampleDrying rate / mm / s3.70% CO 30% fibrous monofilament,1.13135 gsm4.1X1 rib, 100% CO, 185 gsm1.025.Single jersey, 100% CO, 145 gsm1.036. 79% CO 21% fibrous monofilament,0.69330 gsm7. twill, 98% CO 2% EL, 320 gsm1.0Example 4. Anti-Redeposition Performance

[0106] Fabric according to the invention was twill comprising ward 100% cotton 40 / 2 Nm, weft 60% fibrous monofilament / 40% lyocell 30 / 2 Nm was compared to knitted cotton.

[0107] Washing tests were carried by Nouyron Anekoski (Finland) R&D laboratory as follows: Instrumentation Tergotometer Copley Scientific and Power detergent formulation with and without high quality detergent specific CMC were used. Washing temperature was 25° C. 60 min washing cycle and hard water having 18° dH, 15 min rinse were used. Carbon black was used as a test soiling without detergent.

[0108] Whiteness was measured before and after wash using Minolta CM-3610d spectrophotometer and given in CIE units.Results

[0109] Fabric containing non-regenerated MFC had a whiter reference value i.e. wash without CMC. A good anti-redeposition response was observed with MFC monofilament containing fabric already in low dosage of CMC (5%). Fabric with fibrous monofilament was lighter than a reference with CMC levels 0 wt.-%, 0.5 wt.-% and 1.0 wt.-% as can be seen from FIG. 4. When increasing CMC dosage to 2 wt.-% of the formulation the whiteness was not improving when compared to cotton as can be seen from FIG. 5.Example 5: Anti-Odor Tests

[0110] Analytical test for the reduction of sweat odors was performed by Hohenstein Laboratories GmbH & Co. KG, Bönningheim, Germany. Fabric consisting of non-regenerated MFC and fabric of 100% cotton were compared.

[0111] For the investigation of sweat odour reduction by textiles, a defined amount of Hohenstein sweat odour simulate is applied to textile swatches (2 cm×2 cm). Thereafter the samples are placed into a special odour bag to detect the sweat odour at two time points (0 h and 1 h). After an incubation time of 60 min at 37° C. in the sealed bag, the odour intensity of evaporating sweat malodour is assessed by trained (according to international standards of Maxeiner at al 2009) panellists following VDI 3882 with an olfactometric sampling unit.ResultsOdour Intensity Scale According to VDI 38826 extremely strong

[0113] 5 very strong

[0114] 4 strong

[0115] 3 distinct

[0116] 3 weak

[0117] 1 very weak

[0118] 0 not perceptible

[0119] The odour intensity of the samples was determined by the panellists.

[0120] The average of a triple determination is shown in FIG. 6

[0121] A reduction of sweat odour intensity of at least one intensity point could be determined for the test sample compared to the refence. The product can be assessed as ‘odor reducing’ if the average of the sweat odour intensity is minimum 1 intensity point lower than the average of the reference (cotton) textile.

Claims

1. A fabric comprising fibrous monofilaments of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose, wherein said monofilament comprises:a. 80 to 98 wt.-% non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose; andb. 2 to 20 wt. % dispersion agent(s) selected from carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and starch or any mixture thereof,wherein the weight percentage is calculated from a total weight of said fibrous monofilament.

2. The fabric according to claim 1 comprising at least 20 wt.-% of fibrous monofilaments and one or more further fibrous material selected from non-wood derived cellulosic fiber(s), man-made cellulosic fiber(s) and thermoplastic fibers and any mixture thereof.

3. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein saida. non-wood derived cellulosic fiber(s) selected from cotton, hemp, flax, sisal, jute, kenaf, bamboo, peat, and coconut or a mixture thereof; and / orb. man-made cellulosic fiber(s) selected from Lyocell, viscose, modal, acetate, rayon, and recycled textile waste fibers or any mixture thereof; and / orc. thermoplastic fibers selected from polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene / polyester, and bi-component short cut fibers.

4. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein said fabric is woven or knitted.

5. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein said monofilament further comprises additives selected from strength additives, hydrophobic adhesives, pigment(s), and / or other modifier(s).

6. The fabric according to claim 2, wherein the strength additive is a dry strength agent or a wet strength agent.

7. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic adhesive is selected from alkyl ketene dimer, alkenylsuccinic anhydride, rosin, natural waxes, and modified sun flower based adhesive.

8. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein said strength additive is G-Pam in amount of 0.5 to 3 wt. % of the total weight of the fibrous monofilament.

9. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein said strength agent is anionic polyacrylamide in amount of 0.5 to 5 wt. % of the total weight of the fibrous monofilament.

10. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein said strength agent is PEO in an amount of 0.5 to 5 wt.-% of the total weight of the fibrous monofilament.

11. The fabric according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophobic adhesive is AKD in amount of 0.5 to 10 wt. % of the total weight of the fibrous monofilament.

12. A fibrous monofilament of non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose, comprising:a. 80 to 98 wt.-% non-regenerated microfibrillated cellulose; andb. 2 to 20 wt. % dispersion agent(s) selected from carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and starch or any mixture thereof,wherein the weight percentage is calculated from a total weight of said fibrous monofilament.

13. The fabric according to claim 6, wherein the dry strength agent is selected from polyacrylamide resins, starch, vegetable gums, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and latex.

14. The fabric according to claim 6, wherein the wet strength agent is selected from cationic glyoxylated resins, polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin resins, polyamine-epichlorohydrin resins, ureaformaldehyde, epoxide resins, and cross-linking agents.

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