TW201903227A - Nonwoven cellulose fiber fabric with fiber connected radiation diffusing particles - Google Patents

Abstract

A nonwoven cellulose fiber fabric (102), in particular, directly manufactured from lyocell spinning solution (104), wherein the fabric (102) comprises a network of substantially endless fibers (108) and at least 0.1 mass % electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) connected to the fibers (108).

Description

Non-woven cellulose fabric with fiber-linked radiation diffusing particles

The present invention relates to nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabrics, methods of making nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabrics, devices, products or composites for making nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabrics, and methods of use.

The lyocell fiber technology is directed to dissolving cellulose wood pulp or other cellulose-based feedstock directly in a polar solvent (eg, n-methyl morpholine n-oxide, Also referred to as "amine oxide" or "AO" to produce a viscous, highly shear thinning solution that can be converted into a range of available cellulose-based materials. Commercially, this technology is used to make a cellulosic staple fiber family (available from Lenzing AG, Lenzing, Austria, under the trade name TENCEL®), which is widely used in the textile industry. Other cellulose products from lyocell fiber technology have also been used.

Cellulose staple fibers have long been used to convert into components of nonwoven webs. However, the adjustment of lyocell fiber technology to directly manufacture non-woven nets will achieve the properties and properties unmatched by current cellulosic mesh products. This can be considered as a cellulose version of the meltblown and spunbond technology widely used in the synthetic fiber industry, but due to major technical differences, it is not possible to directly adjust the synthetic polymer technology to the lyocell fiber.

A number of studies have been conducted to develop techniques for the direct formation of cellulosic networks from lyocell fiber solutions (in particular, WO 98/26122, WO 99/47733, WO 98/07911, US 6,197,230, WO 99/64649, WO 05/106085 , EP 1 358 369, EP 2 013 390). Other techniques are disclosed in WO 07/124521 A1 and WO 07/124522 A1.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cellulose-based fibrous web having adjustable optical properties and which is safe to use.

For the purposes of the foregoing definition, a nonwoven cellulosic fabric, a method of making a non-woven cellulosic fabric, a device, a product or a composite for making a nonwoven cellulosic fabric, and a use according to the scope of the patent application are provided. method.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a (especially solution blown) nonwoven cellulosic fabric is provided (in particular from a lyocell fiber spinning solution directly (especially in situ process or in a continuous operation line) Continuous process performed) wherein the fabric comprises a network of substantially endless fibers and at least 0.1% by mass (particularly at least 0.4% by mass) of the fibers attached to the fibers (especially applied to the outer surface of the fibers and/or Or electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles embedded therein.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of making a nonwoven fabric, in particular a solution blow-spun, nonwoven fabric directly from a lyocell fiber spinning solution, wherein the method comprises passing the lyocell fiber spinning solution The nozzle of the orifice (for example, the spinning nozzle) is extruded under the support of the gas stream into a cohesive fluid atmosphere (especially a dispersed agglomerated atmosphere) to form a substantially endless fiber, and the fiber is collected in the fiber supporting unit. The fabric is thereby formed, and the process parameters are adjusted such that the fabric comprises at least 0.1% by mass of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles attached to the fibers.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, a device for the manufacture of a non-woven cellulosic fabric directly from a lyocell fiber spinning solution, in particular a solution blown, is proposed, wherein the device comprises a configuration to be supported by a gas stream a nozzle having a spinneret for extrusion of lyocell fiber spinning solution, configured to provide a cohesive fluid atmosphere for the extruded lyocell fiber spinning solution to form agglomerates of substantially endless fibers a unit, a fiber support unit configured to collect fibers to form a fabric, and a control unit configured to adjust process parameters such that the fabric comprises at least 0.1% by mass of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles attached to the fibers (such as A processor configured to execute a code for manufacturing a nonwoven cellulosic fabric directly from lyocell fiber spinning solution).

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a product or composite comprising a fabric having the above properties is proposed.

According to still another embodiment, the nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric having the above properties is used for at least one of the group consisting of: wipes, filters, sanitary products, medical applications, geotextiles, Agricultural fabrics, clothing, construction technology products, automotive products, home furnishings, industrial products, beauty, leisure, sports or travel related products, and school or office related products.

In the context of this application, the term "nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric" (which may also be referred to as a non-woven cellulosic fiber fabric) may particularly denote a fabric or web comprised of a plurality of substantially endless fibers. The term "substantially endless fibers" has the meaning of a long fiber that is significantly longer than conventional staple fibers. In an alternative formulation, the term "substantially endless fibers" may particularly have the meaning of a web formed by filaments having a significantly smaller amount of fiber ends than conventional staple fibers. In particular, the endless fiber fabric according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may have a fiber end amount by volume of less than 10,000 ends/cm ³ , particularly less than 5,000 ends/cm ³ . For example, when staple fibers are used as a substitute for cotton, they can be 38 mm in length (equivalent to the typical natural length of cotton fibers). Conversely, the substantially endless fibers of the nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web may have a length of at least 200 mm, especially at least 1000 mm. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that even if the endless cellulosic fibers are interrupted, they can be formed by processes during and/or after fiber formation. Therefore, the nonwoven cellulosic fabric made of substantially endless cellulosic fibers has significantly less fiber by mass than the nonwoven fabric made from the same denier staple fiber. number. Nonwoven cellulosic fabrics can be made by spinning a plurality of fibers and by drawing and stretching the fibers toward a preferably moving fiber support unit. Thus, a three-dimensional network structure or mesh of cellulose fibers is formed to constitute a nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric. The fabric can be made from cellulose as the primary or sole ingredient.

In the context of the present application, the term "Lysel fiber spinning solution" may particularly denote a solvent in which cellulose (for example, wood pulp or other cellulose-based material) is dissolved (for example, such as N-methyl). - a polar solution of morpholine (NMMO), "amine oxide" or "AO" material). The lyocell fiber spinning solution is a solution rather than a melt. Cellulosic filaments can be produced from lyocell fiber spinning by reducing the concentration of the solvent, for example by contacting the filaments with water. The procedure for the cellulose fibers originally produced from the lyocell fiber spinning solution can be referred to as agglomeration.

In the context of the present application, the term "air flow" may be particularly indicated when the lyocell fiber spinning solution leaves the spinning nozzle and/or has left the spinning nozzle with the cellulose fibers or their preforms (ie, lyocell fibers). The spinning fluid) moves in a substantially parallel flow of gas, such as air.

In the context of the present application, the term "condensed fluid" may particularly denote a non-solvent fluid having a degree to which the lyocell fiber spinning solution can be diluted and exchanged with a solvent to form a cellulosic fiber from the lyocell filament ( That is, the gas and/or liquid optionally includes solid particles). For example, such a coagulating fluid can be a water mist.

In the context of the present application, the term "process parameters" may particularly denote all of the properties for the manufacture of non-woven cellulosic fabrics which have an effect on the properties of the fibers and/or fabrics, in particular on the fiber diameter and/or the fiber diameter distribution. Physical parameters and/or chemical parameters and/or device parameters of the substance and/or device components. These process parameters can be adjusted automatically by the control unit and/or manually adjusted by the user to tune or adjust the properties of the fibers of the nonwoven cellulosic fabric. The physical parameters that have an effect on the properties of the fiber (especially its diameter or diameter distribution) may be the temperature, pressure and/or the various media involved in the process (such as lyocell fiber spinning solution, coagulating fluid, gas stream, etc.). density. The chemical parameter can be the concentration, amount, pH of the medium involved (such as lyocell fiber spinning solution, coagulated fluid, etc.). The device parameters may be the size of the orifice and/or the distance between the orifices, the distance between the orifice and the fiber support unit, the conveying speed of the fiber support unit, the provision of one or more in-situ aftertreatment units, Air flow, etc.

The term "fiber" may particularly denote an elongated member of a material comprising cellulose, for example, having a substantially circular or irregular cross-section, optionally entangled with other fibers. The fibers may have an aspect ratio of greater than 10, especially greater than 100, and more particularly greater than 1000. The aspect ratio is the ratio between the length of the fiber and the diameter of the fiber. The fibers may be formed by combining (to form an integral multi-fiber structure) or by friction (to weakly mechanically couple the fibers to maintain separation but by the friction of the fibers in contact with each other) grid. The fibers can be substantially cylindrical, however they can be straight, bent, kinked, or curved. The fibers can be composed of a single homogeneous material (ie, cellulose). However, the fibers may also contain one or more additives. Liquid materials such as water or oil accumulate between the fibers.

In the context of this document, "a nozzle having a spinning orifice" (which may be, for example, referred to as "arrangement of orifices") may be any structure comprising an arrangement of linearly arranged orifices.

In the context of this application, the term "electromagnetically diffusing particles" may particularly denote solid pigments that are configured to efficiently scatter electromagnetic radiation. In other words, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles can diffusely reflect the electromagnetic radiation due to strong scattering or bending of the electromagnetic radiation of the particles. When there is a sufficient amount or concentration of electromagnetic radiation to diffuse the particles, most of the electromagnetic radiation that strikes the corresponding wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles will be reflected. Thus, the fabric exhibits, for example, opacity. In particular, electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles operating in the visible range of 400 nm to 800 nm can be imparted when incorporated into a nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric that can have optically transparent properties under certain conditions, particularly when wet. Opacity. It is also possible that the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles that efficiently scatter light impart whiteness and/or brightness to the nonwoven cellulosic fabric. However, in certain embodiments, electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles can also operate in the invisible wavelength range: for example, electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles can be efficiently scattered in the infrared range (especially between 800 nm and 1 mm). Electromagnetic radiation in the range of wavelengths and/or in the ultraviolet range (especially in the wavelength range between 100 nm and 400 nm) and/or in the X-ray range (especially in the wavelength range between 1 pm and 250 pm).

According to an exemplary embodiment, a nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric comprising electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles capable of diffusing electromagnetic radiation is provided. This allows the fabric to be opaque in the appropriate wavelength range, for example by adjusting the specific properties of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles. In connection with the properties of cellulose-based fabrics having no end fibers in the visible range, enriching the fibers with visible light diffusing particles renders the fabric opaque when wet. Optically transparent wet fabrics are disturbing for certain applications, such as clothing. In relation to the properties of the fabric in the ultraviolet range, opacity to UV radiation is advantageous for other applications, such as sun protection of clothing. Even in the X-ray range or in the gamma radiation range, absorption of the radiation by the fabric can be beneficial to provide radiation protection, or detection, for example, in medical applications.

Advantageously, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles can be stably incorporated into the fabric by dispersing the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles in an operating fluid used to make the nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web. Such an operating fluid may be a spinning dope or a lyocell fiber spinning solution, a gas stream for stretching the lyocell fiber spinning solution during fiber formation, a coagulating fluid for promoting the precipitation of the fiber, and the like. Since the particles are susceptible to damage when removed from the fabric (e.g., in view of health issues associated with inhalable dust), it is highly advantageous that the particles are strongly bonded to the fibers of the fabric or even embedded therein. By attaching, bonding or fixing at least partially integrated particles to the fibers (especially by adhering the particles to the outer surface of the fibers and/or completely embedding the particles in the fibers) rather than merely accommodating the unattached fibers Within the hollow space of the fabric, it is ensured that the corresponding particles are detached from the fabric during use. This ensures safe operation of the fabric when used by a human user, which is thus protected from exposure to detached fine particles.

Hereinafter, other exemplary embodiments of a nonwoven cellulose fiber fabric, a method of producing a non-woven cellulose fiber fabric, a device for producing a nonwoven cellulose fiber fabric, a product or a composite, and a method of use will be described.

In an embodiment, the fabric comprises no more than 15% by mass of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles, in particular no more than 4% by mass of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles. When maintained within the ranges, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles can remain rigidly bonded to the fibers within the fabric without being separated from one another.

In an embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles are configured to diffuse electromagnetic radiation selected from at least one wavelength range of the group consisting of visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and X-rays. It is also possible that the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles have significant diffusing properties even in one of the above ranges or in other wavelength ranges.

In an embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles comprise at least one of the group consisting of: niobate, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroquinone, magnesium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, titanium dioxide, sulfuric acid. Antimony, calcium carbonate, boron nitride, germanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. For example, titanium dioxide is an effective material for making electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles that operate in the visible range. Barium sulphate is an example of a material that diffuses particles of electromagnetic radiation that are active in the X-ray range.

A preferred choice for the diffused particles of electromagnetic radiation is titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide pigment is insoluble in the coating vehicle in which it is distributed. Therefore, performance properties (such as chemical, photochemical, and physical properties) are determined, inter alia, by the particle size of the pigment and the chemical composition of its surface. This makes it possible to adjust the optical properties of the fabric particularly precisely and reproducibly when using titanium oxide pigments as electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles.

In an embodiment, at least 80% of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles have a diameter of at least 70 nm, in particular at least 100 nm, more particularly in the range of 70 nm and 3000 nm, preferably between Range of 100 nm and 200 nm. The percentage value given is therefore the number of particles. In particular, the particle size of the electromagnetically diffusing particles can be in the submicron range. As can be seen from Fig. 8, the function of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles in light scattering is particularly remarkable in the above range. Moreover, such sized electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles have proven to remain securely within the fabric without being easily separated from each other (especially, without being easily washed away from fabrics that are easy to manufacture). By adjusting the particle size, the frequency of the strongly affected electromagnetic radiation can be selected.

In an embodiment, at least 80% of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (especially the titanium dioxide type electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles) are in a rutile state (compare Fig. 9) or an anatase state (compare Fig. 10). In certain embodiments, electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles in the rutile state are preferred because of their particularly high light scattering efficiency and at the same time being more stable and durable than pigments of other crystal structures. However, for other applications, particles in an anatase state may also be suitably used. In particular, the significant photocatalytic activity of anatase titanium dioxide can be advantageously used to impart properties to the fabric that decompose harmful materials.

More generally, at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles can be functionalized, particularly to provide photocatalytic activity. Advantageously, the photocatalytically active fabric can have a self-cleaning function. Other functionalization of the fabric using corresponding functionalized (eg, functionally functionalized or by coating functionalized) electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles is wicking (especially wicking speed), oil absorption, water absorption, cleanability, roughness .

In an embodiment, at least a portion, in particular at least 50%, more particularly at least 90%, of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles are embedded in the interior of the fiber, i.e. the surroundings are completely surrounded by the fibrous material. Arranging the particles embedded in the fibers can be obtained by adjusting the process parameters by adding the particles to the lyocell fiber spinning solution before or during the precipitation or agglomeration of the fibers. The incorporation of particles into the fibers is a particularly efficient measure to prevent separation of the particles from the fabric even under severe conditions.

In an embodiment, at least a portion, in particular at least 50%, more particularly at least 90%, of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles are attached to the surface of the fiber, i.e., a portion of the surface area remains exposed to the environment and is not covered by the fibrous material. Arranging the particles attached to the outside of the fiber can be obtained by adjusting the process parameters by adding the particles to the lyocell fiber spinning solution at the end of the aggregation or precipitation process of the fiber, or even after the coagulation or precipitation process is completed. Attachment of the particles to the outer surface of the fibers promotes a strong interaction (e.g., photocatalytic activity) between the particles and the environment.

In an embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles have a refractive index in excess of 1.5 (eg, in terms of visible light, more particularly in terms of red light). This makes it possible to obtain significant opacity even when the nonwoven fabric is wet.

In an embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles are configured to render the fabric opaque when wet, especially when soaked in water. Corresponding selection of the particulate material and particle size and corresponding particle content in the selected fabric ensures that the fabric is not optically transparent even when filled with water.

In an embodiment, at least a portion, in particular at least 50%, more particularly at least 90%, of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles are spherical. When the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles have a spherical shape, the above advantageous effects in enhancing adhesion and embedding are particularly remarkable. Furthermore, the spherical particles show a particularly advantageous dispersion behavior in the operating fluids used to make nonwoven fabrics such as lyocell fibers.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles are attached to the lyocell fiber spinning solution prior to completion of the agglomeration. This increases the adhesion between the fibers and the particles and inhibits the detachment of unwanted particles from the fabric.

In an embodiment, the coalescing fluid is enriched with at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles to provide a fabric having the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles. When the particle system is included in a coalescing fluid (for example, a water mist in which the particles are dispersed), they can interact with the strands of the lyocell fiber spinning solution used to precipitate the fibers to cause the fibers and the electromagnetic The radiation diffusing particles are mixed as a whole.

In an embodiment, the gas stream is enriched with at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles to provide a fabric having the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles. The gas stream is used to stretch the filaments of the lyocell fiber spinning solution prior to coagulation or precipitation. When the gas stream is enriched with electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles are incorporated into the fabric in a simple manner and without a separate manufacturing process.

In an embodiment, the lyocell fiber spinning solution is enriched at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles upstream of the spinneret to provide a fabric having the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles. When the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles of the spinning dope of the lyocell fiber spinning solution are supplied, a sufficient amount of particles can be embedded in the fiber to effectively prevent the particles from separating from the fabric.

In an embodiment, the collected fibers are subjected to a cleaning procedure to wash out the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles that are only weakly attached to the fibers from the fabric. When the non-woven cellulose fiber fabric is transported along the fiber supporting unit, it can be cleaned by a cleaning unit that supplies the cleaning liquid, thereby removing not only the residual solvent but also particles that are not sufficiently strongly bonded to the fibers during the manufacturing process. This prevents unwanted particles from detaching during use of the fabric.

In an embodiment, the fiber (especially the fiber fabric) has a copper content of less than 5 ppm (especially 5 ppm by mass, ie 5 mg/kg) and/or a nickel content of less than 2 ppm (especially 2 masses) Ppm, ie, 2 mg/kg). Because of the use of lyocell fiber spinning solution as a substrate for forming a fabric based on endless fibers (particularly when referring to a solvent such as N-methyl-morpholine (NMMO)), it has the above-mentioned particularly harmful heavy metals. Copper (when it exceeds a certain dose is harmful to humans, especially children's health) and/or nickel (which causes an allergic reaction to the user) can be kept to a minimum. In particular, a very small amount of copper contamination can be ensured by removing the copper salt solution used to prepare the spinning solution.

In an embodiment, at least a portion (particularly at least 10%) of the fibers are integrally combined at the combined location. In the context of this application, the term "combining" may particularly denote an integral interconnection of different fibers at individual merged locations which results in the formation of a unitary joined fibrous structure comprised of previously separated fibrous preforms. Merging can be expressed as a fiber-fiber bond established during one, some, or all of the combined fibers. The interconnected fibers can be strongly adhered to each other at separate locations without a different material, such as a separate adhesive, to form a general structure. Separating the combined fibers may require disrupting the fibrous network or a portion thereof. According to the above embodiment, a non-woven cellulose fiber fabric in which some or all of the fibers are integrally joined to each other by merging is provided. The merging can be triggered by the corresponding control of the process parameters of the method of making the nonwoven cellulosic fabric. In particular, the filament agglomeration of the lyocell fiber spinning solution can be triggered (or at least completed) by the first contact between the filaments of the solid fiber state that has not yet precipitated. Thus, the interaction between the filaments which are in the solution phase and then converted to a solid phase by agglomeration allows the combined characteristics to be appropriately adjusted. The degree of consolidation is a powerful parameter that can be used to adjust the properties of the fabric being manufactured. In particular, the higher the density of the merged locations, the greater the mechanical stability of the mesh structure. Areas of high mechanical stability and other areas of low mechanical stability can also be adjusted by the uneven distribution of the combined positions in the fabric volume. For example, the fabric can be divided into separate portions that can be precisely defined to occur locally in a mechanically fragile region having a low number of merged locations. In a preferred embodiment, the incorporation of fibers is triggered by direct contact of different fiber preforms in the form of lyocell fiber spinning solution prior to agglomeration.

Because of the direct combination of fibers under certain conditions, the concept of process control adjustment can be used without introducing additional materials (such as adhesives, etc.) into the process of interconnecting the fibers. This keeps the contamination of the fabric very low. Thus, the fibers are interconnected by merging instead of using a separate adhesive material to otherwise impart a fabric of high purity. In an embodiment, the merged locations are comprised of the same material as the combined fibers. Thus, the combined position can be produced by a cellulosic material formed directly from the lyocell fiber spinning solution. This not only provides an optional fiber joining material (such as an adhesive or adhesive), but also keeps the fabric clean and substantially made of a single material.

The combination may have a combined endless fiber that additionally inhibits the additional benefit of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles exiting the fabric due to the reduction of the overall fiber surface in the fabric. In an embodiment, the different fiber systems are at least partially located in different distinguishable layers (ie, the visible separation or interface regions are visible between the layers). More specifically, the fibers of the different layers are integrally joined at at least one merged location between the layers. Thus, different fibers that are at least partially located in different distinguishable layers (which may or may not be identical with respect to the combination factor, average fiber diameter, etc.) may be integrally joined at at least one merged location. For example, two (or more) different layers of the fabric can be extruded through the nozzles having the orifices by aligning two (or more) nozzles having orifices in series. It is formed by agglomeration and formation of fibers. When such an arrangement is combined with a moving fiber support unit, such as a conveyor belt having a fiber receiving surface, the first layer of fibers is formed on the fiber support unit by the first nozzle, and when the moving fiber support unit reaches The second nozzle forms a second layer on the first layer when the nozzle is in position. The process parameters of the method can be adjusted to form a merge point between the first layer and the second layer. In particular, the fibers of the second layer being formed which have not been fully cured or solidified by agglomeration may, for example, still have an outer layer or surface region which is still in the liquid lyocell solution phase and which has not yet been fully solidified. When such pre-fiber structures are in contact with each other and then fully cured into a solid fiber state, this results in the formation of two merged fibers at the interface between the different layers. The higher the number of merged positions, the higher the interconnect stability between the layers of the fabric. Thus, the control combination can control the rigidity of the interlayer connection of the fabric. The combination can be controlled, for example, by adjusting the degree of cure or agglomeration of the preformed fibrous structure of the individual layers prior to reaching the underlying fibers or the fiber support sheets on the preformed fibrous structural layers. Unwanted layer separation can be prevented by combining fibers of different layers at the interface between the different layers. When there is no merge point between the layers, the other layer can be peeled off from one of the fibers.

In an embodiment, the merging between the different layers is adjusted such that tensile forces in opposite directions on the layers cause separation of the fabric at the interface between the different layers. This can be achieved when the consolidation is adjusted such that the consolidation-based adhesion between the different layers is less than the merger-based consolidation within the individual layers of the different layers. In particular, the number of merged or merged locations by volume within the individual layers of the joined layers may be greater than the interface between the layers. This can be produced by controlling the relationship between interlayer cohesion and intralayer agglomeration.

In an embodiment, the average diameter of the fibers of one of the layers is different from the average diameter of the fibers of the other of the layers. For example, the ratio between the average diameter of the fibers of one layer and the average diameter of the fibers of the other layer may be at least 1.5, especially at least 2.5, and more particularly may be at least 4. Thus, it is possible to provide a nonwoven fabric of a network structure of substantially endless cellulosic fibers which exhibits significant non-uniformity in fiber diameter between different layers. The results confirmed that the diameter distribution of the fibers of the nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric is a powerful design parameter for adjusting the physical properties (especially mechanical properties) of the obtained fabric. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is presently believed that the uneven distribution of such fiber thickness results in self-organization of the fibrous network structure which inhibits the mutual movement of individual fibers relative to one another. In contrast, the fibers tend to clamp each other to obtain a compound having high rigidity. Descriptively, the introduction of specific inhomogeneities in the fiber manufacturing process translates into non-uniformities in the thickness or diameter distribution of the fibers in the fabric as a whole. However, it should be noted that by varying the fiber diameter as a design parameter for the fabric, the fiber physics can be adjusted in a more general manner so that the physical properties of the fabric can be varied widely (wherein the stiffness is only one of the options or examples). For example, fiber diameter changes can also be an advantageous tool for fine-tuning the moisture management of the fabric being manufactured. By applying electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles to the spinning dope, the overall density of the spinning dope changes, thereby also altering the performance during the spinning process. This also causes a change in fiber diameter distribution and combined performance, thus further providing the possibility of adjusting the properties of the fabric so produced.

Different concentrations and/or types of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles may also be provided for different layers. This makes it possible to fine tune the optical properties of the multilayer fabric.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises forming the nonwoven cellulosic fabric with endless fibers for further processing of the fibers and/or fabric after collection on the fiber support unit, preferably still in situ.

Such an in-situ method can be a method of storage (e.g., substantially no end) of the fabric (e.g., wound with a winder) for transport to the end of the product manufacturing end. For example, such further processing or post-processing may involve hydroentanglement. Hydraulic entanglement can be expressed as a combination of wet or dry fiber webs, and the resulting bonded fabric is a non-woven fabric. The hydroentanglement can use a fine, high-pressure water jet that penetrates the mesh, impacts the fiber support unit (especially the conveyor belt), and bounces back to entangle the fibers. The corresponding compression of the fabric allows the fabric to be more dense and mechanically more stable. In addition to or in lieu of hydraulic entanglement, steam treatment of the fibers may be carried out using pressurized steam. Additionally or alternatively, such further processing or post-treatment may involve a needled treatment of the fabric being manufactured. A needle stick system can be used to bond the fibers of the fabric or mesh. A needled fabric can be made by pushing a barbed needle through the web to force some of the fibers through the web (where the fibers remain there when the needle is withdrawn). If sufficient fibers are properly displaced, the web can be converted into a fabric by the consolidation effect of such fiber plugs. A further treatment or post treatment of the web or fabric is an immersion treatment. The impregnation of the network of endless fibers may involve the application of one or more chemicals (such as softeners, hydrophobic agents, antistatic agents, etc.) to the fabric. Yet another further treatment of the fabric is calendering. Calendering can be expressed as the final processing method for treating the fabric and a calender can be used to smooth, coat and/or compress the fabric.

Nonwoven cellulosic fabrics in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also be combined (e.g., in situ or in a subsequent process) with one or more other materials to form a composite in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary materials that can be combined with the fabric to form such a composite can be selected from the group of materials including, but not limited to, the following materials or combinations thereof: fluff pulp, fiber suspension, wetlaid nonwoven , airlaid nonwoven fabrics, spunbonded webs, meltblown webs, carded spunlaced or needle-punched webs or other sheet-like structures made of various materials. In an embodiment, the joining between different materials can be accomplished by, but not limited to, one or a combination of the following methods: combining, hydroentangling, needle sticking, hydrogen bonding, thermal bonding, bonding by a binder , layering and / or calendering.

Hereinafter, the use of an exemplary advantageous product comprising a non-woven cellulose fiber fabric according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention or a non-woven cellulose fiber fabric according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is summarized:

Mesh, whether it is a 100% cellulosic fibrous web or for example comprising two or more fibers, or chemically modified fibers or incorporated such as antimicrobial materials, ion exchange materials, activated carbon, nanoparticles, lotions, medical use The special use of fibers of materials such as agents or flame retardants, or bicomponent fibers or webs composed of them may be as follows:

Non-woven cellulose fiber fabrics according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be used in the manufacture of wipes such as baby, kitchen, wet wipes, make-up, sanitary, medical, cleaning, polishing (automobile, furniture), dust removal Wipes for industrial, dust collectors and mops.

Non-woven cellulose fiber fabrics according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can also be used to make filters. For example, such filters may be air filters, HVAC, air conditioning filters, flue gas filters, liquid filters, coffee filters, tea bags, coffee bags, food filters, water purification filters, blood filters, Cigarette filter; cabin filter, oil filter, filter cartridge, vacuum filter, vacuum cleaner bag, dust filter, hydraulic filter, kitchen filter, fan filter, wet exchange filter (moisture exchange filter ), pollen filter, HEVAC/ HEPA/ULPA filter, beer filter, milk filter, liquid coolant filter and juice filter.

In still other embodiments, the nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric can be used to make absorbent sanitary products. Examples thereof are an acquisition layer, a coverstock for health care, a distribution layer, an absorbent cover, a sanitary napkin, a topsheet, a backsheet, a leg cuff, and the like. Punching products, pads, nursing mats, disposable underwear, training pant, face mask, beauty mask, makeup remover, face wash ( Washcloth), diapers, and dryer tablets that release active ingredients such as textile softeners.

In yet other embodiments, the nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric can be used to make medical application products. For example, such medical application products may be disposable caps, medical treatment suits, masks and shoe covers, wound care products, sterilization packaging products, breathable fabric products for health care, dressings, one way clothing, dialysis products, Nasal strips, dental plate adhesives, disposable underpants, drape, wraps and packs, sponges, dressings and wipes, sheets, percutaneous Drug delivery, shrouds, underpads, procedure packs, heat pads, ostomy bag liners, fixing gels, and incubator mattresses.

In still other embodiments, the nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric can be used to make a geotextile. This may involve the manufacture of crop protection covers, capillary matting, water purification, irrigation control, asphalt overlaying, soil stabilization, drainage, deposition and erosion control, pond liners, impregnated substrates. (impregnation based), drain channel liner, ground stabilisation, pit lining, seed blanket, weed control fabric, greenhouse shade cloth , root bag and biodegradable flower pots. Non-woven cellulosic fiber fabrics can also be used in plant foils (e.g., to provide photoprotection and/or mechanical protection to plants, and/or to provide drugs or seeds to plants or soil).

In still other embodiments, the nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric can be used to make garments. For example, linings, warm and protective garments, handbag components, shoe components, belt linings, industrial hats/shoes, disposable overalls, clothing and shoe bags, and thermal insulation can be made based on such fabrics.

In still other embodiments, the nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric can be used to make a building technology product. For example, such fabrics can be used to make roof and tile floors, underslating, insulation and sound insulation, building house wrap, gypsum board finishes, pipe wraps, concrete molds. Concrete moulding layer, foundation and land stabilization, vertical drainage system, shingle board, roofing felt, noise reduction, activation, sealing material, and shock absorbing material (mechanical).

In still other embodiments, the nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric can be used in the manufacture of automotive products. Examples are cabin filters, car luggage compartment linings, parcel shelves, heat shields, luggage trims, boot hood linings, car luggage compartment floor coverings, oil filters, Headliner, rear panel, upholstery fabric, airbag, soundproofing mat, insulation, car cover, underpadding, car mat, tape, adhesive and tufted carpet, seat cover, Door trim, needled carpet, and car carpet backing.

Still another field of application of fabrics made in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is home furnishings, such as furniture, construction, backing to arms and backs, cushion thicking, defense Hood, lining, seam reinforcement, decorative strip material, bedding, quilt backing, spring wrap, mattress pad component, mattress cover , curtains, wallpaper, carpet backing, lampshades, mattress components, spring insulators, seals, pillow covers and mats.

In still other embodiments, the nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric can be used to make industrial products. This may involve electronic products, floppy disc liners, cable insulation, abrasives, insulating tapes, conveyor belts, noise absorbing layers, air conditioners, battery separators, acid systems, anti-slip detergents. (anti-slip matting stain remover), cling film, tape, sausage casing, cheese casing, artificial leather, oil recovery booms and socks, and papermaking felt.

Nonwoven cellulosic fabrics in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are also suitable for the manufacture of leisure and travel related products. Such applications are sleeping bags, tents, luggage, handbags, shopping bags, flight headrests, CD cases, pillow cases, and sandwich packaging.

Still another area of application of exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertains to school and office products. Examples thereof may include book covers, mail envelopes, maps, markers and pennants, towels, and flags.

1 illustrates an apparatus 100 for fabricating a nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 formed directly from lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 is converted to a partially formed cellulosic fiber 108 by at least partial agglomeration of the coagulating fluid 106. By means of the apparatus 100, a lyocell fiber solution blowing process according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be carried out. In the context of the present application, the term "Lysel fiber solution blowing process" may particularly comprise forming a substantially endless filament or fiber 108 having discrete lengths or having a discrete length of endless filaments obtained. And the procedure for the mixture of fibers. As further explained below, nozzles each having a spinneret 126 are provided through which a cellulose solution or gas stream/gas flow 146 is passed to produce an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention. Non-woven cellulosic fabric 102.

As can be seen from Figure 1, wood pulp 110, additional cellulose-based feed, and the like can be supplied to storage tank 114 via metering unit 113. Water from the water container 112 is also supplied to the storage tank 114 via the metering unit 113. As such, the metering unit 113 under control of the control unit 140, as described in further detail below, can define the relative amount of water and wood pulp 110 to be supplied to the storage tank 114. The solvent (such as N-methyl-morpholine (NMMO)) contained in the solvent container 116 can be concentrated in the concentration unit 118, and then in the mixing unit 119 in a definable relative amount with water and wood pulp 110 or another The mixture of cellulose-based feedstocks is mixed. The mixing unit 119 can also be controlled by the control unit 140. The water-wood pulp 110 medium is thus dissolved in the concentrated solvent in an adjustable relative amount in the dissolution unit 120, thereby obtaining the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104. The aqueous lyocell fiber spinning dope 104 may be a honey-like viscous medium composed of (for example, 5% by mass to 15% by mass) of cellulose containing wood pulp 110 and (for example, 85% by mass to 95% by mass) of a solvent. (honey-viscous medium).

The lyocell fiber spinning dope 104 is sent to a fiber forming unit 124 (which may be embodied as or it may comprise some spinning beam or nozzle 122). For example, the number of orifices 126 of the nozzle 122 can be greater than 50, particularly greater than 100. In one embodiment, all of the spinnerets 126 of the fiber forming unit 124 (which may include some spouts or nozzles 122) of the orifices 126 of the nozzles 122 may have the same size and/or shape. Alternatively, the size and/or shape of the orifices 126 of the different orifices 126 of one nozzle 122 and/or different nozzles 122 (which may be arranged in series to form a multilayer fabric) may vary.

As the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 passes through the orifice 126 of the nozzle 122, it is divided into a plurality of parallel lyocell fiber spinning fluid 104 strands. The vertically oriented gas flow (i.e., oriented substantially parallel to the spinning direction) forces the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 to be converted to a longer and finer condition by changing the processing conditions under the control of the control unit 140. The strands. The gas stream can accelerate the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 along at least a portion of its path from the spinneret 126 to the fiber support unit 132.

As the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 moves through the nozzle 122 and further down, the long and thin strands of the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 interact with the solventless condensed fluid 106. The condensed fluid 106 is advantageously embodied as a vapor mist (eg, a water mist). The process related properties of the condensed fluid 106 are controlled by one or more agglomerating units 128 to provide a condensed fluid 106 having an adjustable property. The coalescing unit 128 is then controlled by the control unit 140. Preferably, individual agglomerating units 128 are provided to individual nozzles or spinnerets 126 for individually adjusting the properties of the individual layers of fabric 102 being fabricated. Preferably, each nozzle 122 can have two assigned agglomeration units 128, one on each side. The individual nozzles 122 may thus be provided with individual lyocell fiber spinning dope 104 portions which may also be adjusted to impart different controllable properties to the different layers of the fabric 102 being fabricated.

When interacting with a coalescing fluid 106, such as water, the solvent concentration of the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 is reduced to cause at least the cellulose of the lyocell fiber spinning dope 104 (eg, wood pulp 110 (or other material)) The cellulose fibers 108 (which may still contain residual solvent and water) are partially coagulated and grown.

During or after the initial formation of individual cellulosic fibers 108 from the extruded lyocell fiber spinning solution 104, the cellulosic fibers 108 are deposited on a fiber support unit 132, which is embodied herein as A conveyor belt having a flat fiber receiving surface. Cellulose fibers 108 form a nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 (shown only schematically in Figure 1). The nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 is comprised of continuous and substantially endless filaments or fibers 108.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the solvent of the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 removed by agglomeration of the agglomeration unit 128 and cleaning in the cleaning unit 180 can be at least partially recycled.

When transported along the fiber support unit 132, the nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 can be cleaned by a cleaning unit 180 that supplies a cleaning liquid to remove residual solvent, which can then be dried. Further processing by the processing unit 134 may be further performed arbitrarily but advantageously. For example, such further processing may involve hydroentanglement, needle sticking, dipping, pressurized steam steaming, calendering, and the like.

The fiber support unit 132 can also transport the nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 to the coiler 136, which can be collected onto the coiler 136 in a substantially endless sheet. The nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web 102 can then be delivered in the form of a roll of merchandise, such as a wipe or textile of the nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102.

As shown in FIG. 1, the process can be controlled by control unit 140 (such as a processor, a portion of a processor, or a plurality of processors). The control unit 140 is configured to control the operation of the various units shown in FIG. 1, in particular the metering unit 113, the mixing unit 119, the fiber forming unit 124, the coalescing unit 128, the further processing unit 134, the dissolution unit 120, the cleaning unit 118 one or more. Thus, control unit 140 can accurately and flexibly define process parameters for manufacturing nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 (e.g., by executing computer executable code and/or by executing user defined control commands). The design parameters herein are the air flow along the orifice 126, the nature of the coalescing fluid 106, the drive speed of the fiber support unit 132, the composition of the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104, temperature and/or pressure, and the like. Additional design parameters that can be adjusted to adjust the properties of the nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 are the number and/or mutual spacing and/or geometric arrangement of the orifices 126, the chemical composition and concentration of the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104, and the like. . Thus, the properties of the nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 can be suitably adjusted as described below. Such adjustable properties (see below for detailed description) may involve one or more of the following properties: diameter and/or diameter distribution of fibers 108, combined amounts and/or regions between fibers 108, degree of purity of fibers 108, multilayer fabric 102 The nature, the optical properties of the fabric 102, the fluid retention and/or fluid release properties of the fabric 102, the mechanical stability of the fabric 102, the surface smoothness of the fabric 102, the cross-sectional shape of the fibers 108, and the like.

Although not shown, each spinning nozzle 122 can include a polymer solution inlet through which the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 is supplied to the nozzle 122. Air stream 146 can be applied to lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 via an air inlet. Starting from the interaction chamber in the interior of the nozzle 122 and defined by the nozzle sleeve, the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 is moved downward or accelerated (by drawing the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 downwardly from the gas stream 146) The individual orifices 126 are laterally narrowed under the influence of the gas stream 146 to form a continuously tapered cellulose length as the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 moves downwardly with the gas stream 146 in the condensed fluid 106 environment. Silk or cellulose fibers 108.

Thus the procedure involved in the method of manufacture described with reference to Figure 1 can include shaping the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 (which can also be represented as a cellulose solution) to form a liquid strand or a potential filament, which is The gas stream 146 is stretched and the diameter is significantly reduced and the length is increased. It may also involve partial agglomeration of the underlying filaments or fibers 108 (or preforms thereof) by the coalescing fluid 106 prior to or during formation of the web on the fiber support unit 132. The filaments or fibers 108 are formed into a web fabric 102, washed, dried, and further processed as needed (see further processing unit 134). The filaments or fibers 108 can be collected, for example, on a rotating drum or belt for collection, thereby forming a web.

Due to the above manufacturing procedure and in particular the choice of solvent used, the fiber 108 has a copper content of less than 5 ppm and a nickel content of less than 2 ppm. This advantageously improves the purity of the fabric 102.

The lyocell fiber solution blown web (i.e., non-woven cellulosic fabric 102) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention exhibits one or more of the following properties: (i) the dry weight of the web is 5 to 300 g/m2, Preferably, the thickness of the web is from 0.05 to 10.0 mm, preferably from 0.1 to DIN 29073 (especially the latest edition in effect on the priority date of this patent application), according to the standard WSP 120.6, respectively. 2.5 mm (iii) The specific toughness of the mesh in MD according to EN29073-3, respectively ISO 9073-3 (especially the latest version effective on the priority date of this patent application), ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 Nm2/g, preferably The average elongation of the network from 0.4 to 2.3 Nm2/g (iv) is in accordance with EN29073-3, ISO 9073-3 (especially the latest edition effective on the priority date of this patent application), ranging from 0.5 to 100%. Good for 4 to 50%. (v) The MD/CD toughness ratio of the net is from 1 to 12 (vi) The water retention of the net is from 1 to 250%, preferably from 1 to 250%, in accordance with DIN 53814 (especially the latest version effective on the priority date of this patent application). 30 to 150% (vii) The water retention capacity of the net is in the range of 90 to 2000%, preferably 400 to 1100%, according to DIN 53923 (especially the latest edition effective on the priority date of this patent application). (viii) metal residual levels below 5 ppm copper and below 2 ppm nickel, according to EN 15587-2 for substrate decomposition and EN 17294-2 for ICP-MS analysis (especially in this The latest edition of the priority date of the patent application).

Most preferably, the lyocell fiber solution blown web exhibits all of the properties (i) to (viii) mentioned above.

As described above, the method for making the nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 preferably comprises: (a) extruding a solution comprising cellulose dissolved in NMMO (see reference numeral 104) via a spinning orifice 126 of at least one nozzle 122. , thereby forming the filament of the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 (b) stretching the filament (c) of the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 by a gaseous flow (see reference numeral 146) to make the filament and the preferred system The aqueous vapor mist (see reference numeral 106) is contacted to precipitate at least a portion of the fibers 108. Thus, the filaments or fibers 108 are at least partially precipitated prior to forming the web or nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102. (d) collecting and precipitating the filaments or fibers 108 to form a web or nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 (e) removing the solvent (f) in the cleaning line (see cleaning unit 180) optionally via hydrodynamic (hydro) -entanglement), needle sticking, etc. (see further processing unit 134) in combination with (g) drying and roll-up collection

The components of the nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web 102 can be combined by combining, interlacing, hydrogen bonding, physical bonding (such as hydroentanglement or needle sticking), and/or chemical bonding.

For further processing, the nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web 102 can be combined with one or more of the same and/or additional materials, such as (not shown) a synthetic polymer, a layer of cellulosic fluff pulp; cellulose or a synthetic polymer Non-woven mesh of fibers, bicomponent fibers; mesh of cellulose pulp (such as airlaid or wet-laid pulp); high tenacity fibers, hydrophobic materials, high performance fibers (such as temperature resistant materials or flame retardant materials) a web or fabric; a layer that changes the properties of the final product (such as a layer of polypropylene or polyester); a biodegradable material (such as a film, fiber or mesh formed from polylactic acid) and/or a high loft material.

It is also possible to combine a plurality of 102 layers of distinguishable non-woven cellulose fabric, as shown in, for example, Figure 7.

The nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web 102 can consist essentially of only cellulose. Alternatively, the nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web 102 can comprise a mixture of cellulose and one or more additional fibrous materials. The nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 can further comprise a bicomponent fiber material. The fibrous material in the nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 can comprise, at least in part, a modifying material. The modifying substance may be selected, for example, from the group consisting of a polymeric resin, an inorganic resin, an inorganic pigment, an antibacterial product, a nanoparticle, a lotion, a flame retardant product, an absorption improving additive such as a superabsorbent resin, an ion. Exchange resins, carbon compounds such as activated carbon, graphite, conductive carbon, X-ray contrast materials, luminescent pigments, and dyes.

It is concluded that the cellulosic nonwoven web or nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 produced directly from the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 can achieve value-added web properties that are not achievable via the staple fiber route. This includes the possibility of forming a uniform lightweight web, making microfiber products, and making continuous filaments or fibers 108 forming a web. In addition, several manufacturing processes are no longer required compared to nets from staple fibers. Further, the non-woven cellulose fiber fabric 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is biodegradable and manufactured from a raw material of a perpetual source (i.e., wood pulp 110, etc.). In addition, it has advantages in terms of purity and absorption. In addition, it has adjustable mechanical strength, stiffness and softness. Further, the non-woven cellulose fiber fabric 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be made to have a low basis weight (for example, 10 to 30 g/m2). Very thin filaments as small as 5 μm in diameter (especially no more than 3 μm) can be made using this technique. In addition, the non-woven cellulosic fabric 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be formed to have a wide range of web aesthetics, such as a flat crisp film, paper-like, or soft-flexible textile. The stiffness and mechanical rigidity or flexibility and softness of the nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 can be further precisely adjusted by adapting the process parameters of the procedure. This can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the number of merged locations, the number of layers, or by post-processing such as needle sticking, hydroentanglement, and/or calendering. In particular, a nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 having a relatively low basis weight of 10 g/m ² or less can be produced to obtain filaments having a small diameter (for example, reduced to 3 to 5 μm or less). Or fiber 108.

2, 3, and 4 show experimental images of the nonwoven fibers 102 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which are completed by corresponding process control. The elliptical indicia in Figures 2 through 4 show the combined regions in which the plurality of fibers 108 are integrally connected to one another. At such merge points, two or more fibers 108 can be interconnected to form a unitary structure.

5 and 6 show experimental images of a nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which expansion of the fibers 108 has been completed, wherein FIG. 5 shows the fibrous web 102 in a dry, non-expanded state, and 6 shows the fibrous web 102 in a wet expanded state. The apertures can be measured and compared with each other in the state of both Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. When calculating the average of 30 measurements, it was determined that the pore size due to expansion of the fiber 108 in the aqueous medium was reduced to as much as 47% of its original diameter.

Figure 7 shows an experimental photograph of an unwoven cellulose fiber fabric 102 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the formation of the superposed layers 200, 202 of the fibers 108 is designed by a corresponding program (i.e., a series arrangement of a plurality of spun nozzles). )carry out. The two separate but connected layers 200, 202 are indicated by horizontal lines in FIG. For example, the n-layer fabric 102 (n ≥ 2) can be fabricated by arranging n nozzles or nozzles 122 in series along the longitudinal direction.

Specific example embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below:

The nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for example, based on the procedure described with reference to Figure 1, may have a range between 0.1% and 15% by mass, in particular in the range The electromagnetic radiation is diffused between 0.4% by mass and 5% by mass. Advantageously, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 can be adhered or attached to the fibers 108. For example, electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 can be configured to diffuse electromagnetic radiation in the visible wavelength range (ie, having a wavelength in the range between 400 nm and 800 nm). The electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 may consist essentially of titanium dioxide having a diameter between 70 nm and 3000 nm. Most of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 may be in a rutile state (compare FIG. 9) to achieve high stability, and/or in an anatase state (compare FIG. 10) to obtain strong photocatalytic activity. Depending on the adjustment of the processing parameters of the manufacturing method, it can be ensured that the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 are primarily embedded within the fibers 108 and/or attached to the outer surface of the fibers 108. The electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 can have a refractive index of more than 1.5 at 600 nm. Due to the electromagnetic radiation interaction properties of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 are configured to render the fabric 102 opaque under wet conditions. In this context, it should be mentioned that non-woven cellulosic fabrics that do not have electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 may be optically transparent in wet conditions, which is undesirable for certain applications, such as clothing. For example, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 are substantially spherical, which simplifies manufacturing and promotes a tight connection between the particles 220 and the fibers 108.

These measures are taken to ensure the opacity of the fabric 102 even when the fabric 102 itself is optically transparent in the wet state of the fabric 102. However, the presence of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220, such as titanium dioxide, particularly ensures visual opacity, whiteness, and brightness of the fabric 102. More generally, the optical properties of the resulting fabric 102 can be fine tuned by adjusting the properties of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 (e.g., in terms of material, size, and/or concentration).

Advantageously, and due to the manufacturing procedures described herein, the fibers 108 can have a very low level of specific heavy metals, such as a copper content of less than 5 ppm and a nickel content of less than 2 ppm.

Figure 8 is a graph showing the particle size D (drawn along the abscissa 252) and relative light scattering ability of the rutile-type titanium oxide electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 of the nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A graph 250 of the relationship between S (drawn along ordinate 254). Corresponding curves for blue light (see reference numeral 256), green light (see reference numeral 258), and red light (see reference numeral 260) are plotted in FIG. As can be seen from Figure 8, the scattering intensity of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 is particularly significant in the range between about 70 nm and about 3000 nm, and thus is particularly efficient with particles 220 in the corresponding size range.

Figure 9 illustrates the basic unit cell of rutile-type titanium oxide 222 used as electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 of non-woven cellulose fiber fabric 102 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, oxygen is indicated by reference numeral 224 and titanium is indicated by reference numeral 226. It is a particularly good material for the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 because of the remarkable scattering ability, stability, and durability of the rutile-type titanium oxide 222.

Figure 10 illustrates a basic unit cell of anatase-type titanium oxide 228 used as electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 of a non-woven cellulose fiber fabric 102 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Again, oxygen is indicated by reference numeral 224 and titanium is indicated by reference numeral 226. Anatase-type titanium oxide 228 is a suitable substitute for rutile-type titanium oxide 222, particularly when significant photocatalytic activity of fabric 102 is desired.

Figure 11 illustrates a procedure performed during a method of fabricating a nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web 102 with electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 implemented in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The top view of Figure 11 (see A) shows the cellulose-based lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 and the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 immediately after extrusion and thus immediately downstream of the nozzle or orifice 126. mixture. An additional flow diagram, schematically indicated by reference numeral 270, shows that the stretched fibers 108 are supported only by the gas stream 146 (see Figures 1 and 12) (see B).

12 illustrates an apparatus 100 for fabricating a nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 that is particularly suitable for integrating electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 into a nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

According to FIG. 12, the apparatus 100 is configured such that the gas stream 146 can be enriched with electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 to provide electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 to the fabric 102. For this purpose, a metering valve 234 is provided that connects the particle container 232 (accommodating electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220, such as titanium dioxide spheres) with a flow generating unit for generating a gas stream 146. Metering valve 234 is controlled by control unit 140. Thus, gas stream 146 can be supplied with the addition of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 that interact with the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 strands extruded through orifices 126. Thus, the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 can be mixed with the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 in an adjustable manner to obtain fibers 108 having attached and/or embedded particles 220.

According to Figure 12, the apparatus 100 may additionally or alternatively be configured to enrich the lyocell fiber spinning dope 104 itself with at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles prior to being supplied to the nozzle 122 (i.e., upstream of the spinneret 126). 220. Thus, the fabric 102 can also be provided with electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 attached to and/or embedded in the fibers 108. This can be accomplished by providing a particle container 230 containing electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 that can be mixed into the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 at metering valve 119.

In addition, the coalescing fluid 106 can be enriched in electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 stored in another particle container 236 to provide a fabric 102 having electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220. The control unit 140 controls the amount of particles 220 added to the coalescing fluid 106 during agglomeration to connect the particles 220 to the fibers 108.

More generally, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide for embedding electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 into a nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web 102. Since the nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web 102 may be optically clear when wet, the embedded electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 may provide a fabric 102 that is opaque in all wet conditions. Related to conventional staple fibers, a large number of free fiber ends can serve as scattering centers here, so the corresponding fabric can be more opaque in all wet conditions. However, the use of a fabric 102 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention consisting of substantially endless fibers 108 having a very small number of free fiber ends requires the addition of particles 220 in the opaque state of the fabric 102 in a wet state.

Highly efficient scattered light electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 in many cases have inhalable particles (which themselves can enter the alveol of the human body) and/or have access to the blood circulation (ie, into the body of the organism) A variety of sizes of the range of preferred particles. As a rule of thumb, particles smaller than 2.5 μm have a strong tendency to enter the alveoli, and particles smaller than 100 nm have a tendency to squeeze into the organism. Therefore, it is important that the granules 220 be implemented in the fabric 102 and that the tendency to separate from the fibers 108 is sufficiently low to obtain a fabric 102 that can be in contact with humans. Referring to Figure 14, several examples of adjusting the processing parameters of the fabric 102 are illustrated by ensuring that the particles 220 are strongly adhered to and/or in the fibers 108. With this measure, even if fine dust particles 220 (e.g., made of titanium dioxide) are integrated into the fabric 102, they can be sufficiently strongly adhered to the fibers 108 to prevent them from having a significant tendency to detach from the fibers 108. In order to efficiently promote the diffusion effect in the visible range, especially in the range of 70 nm (or even between 200 nm) and 3000 nm, particle size is particularly advantageous because it causes significant diffraction of electromagnetic radiation. Become optically diffuse. In accordance with the foregoing, in particular, controlling the average particle size of a plurality of particles 220 and/or controlling the diameter distribution is a powerful tool for accurately adjusting the optical properties of the fabric 102 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As a result, it was confirmed that when the size of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 is small enough, it can be appropriately introduced into the lyocell fiber spinning dope 104, and thus can be integrally embedded in the fibers 108 during the manufacturing process of the above-described fabric 102. At the same time, particles of this size have strong optical diffusion properties (compare Figure 8). The too large particles 220 also have a tendency to block the orifice 126 of the nozzle of the device 100. Additionally or alternatively, the particles 220 may be added to the coalescing fluid 106 and to the fibers 108, but the percentage of particles 220 embedded within the fibers 108 (and therefore less susceptible to detachment from the fabric 102) is higher than the particles 220 to the The case of lyocell fiber spinning solution 104. In contrast, when particle 110 20 is added to coacervate fluid 106 and/or to gas stream 146, a relatively high proportion of particles 220 adhere to the outer surface of fiber 108. Based on these considerations, the results confirmed that the size range of the particles 220 between 70 nm and 3000 nm is better. It is preferred that no more than 10% of the particles 220 have a diameter of less than 100 nm. It is also advantageous if at least 90% of the particles 220 have a diameter of no more than 3000 nm, in particular no more than 1000 nm. The diameter or diameter distribution of the implemented electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 can be controlled by the control unit 140 as a processing parameter to adjust the optical properties of the manufactured fabric 102 and the adhesion between the particles 220 and the fibers 108. However, it should be said that the addition of particles 220 to one or both of the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104 and the coalescing fluid 106 enables a fabric 102 having sufficient strong adhesion of the particles 220 to the fibers 108 and having suitable light diffusing properties. In particular, the frequency selection of the filtered (caused by reflection) electromagnetic radiation can be controlled by the size of the particles 220. For example, the small particles 220 can be fabricated from a non-woven cellulosic fibrous web 102 that is still optically clear in the wet state while exhibiting an appropriate filtering effect and protective function for the ultraviolet light. On the other hand, in an additional configuration of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 in the fabric 102, it is also possible to obtain opacity in the overall visible range of light, which may be advantageous, for example, for wet T-shirts. In short, the size and/or size distribution, material and concentration of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 can be adjusted to adjust the properties of the fabric 102 in terms of interaction with electromagnetic radiation.

On the other hand, the specific electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 (such as barium sulfate) not only have a light diffusing function, but also have an electromagnetic radiation absorbing function (in particular, an X-ray range in a given example).

More generally, exemplary embodiments of the present invention can implement electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 in the nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102 to provide electromagnetic radiation diffusing functionality in the first wavelength range and electromagnetic in the second wavelength range. The radiation absorption function, wherein the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range may be the same, may be completely different, or may overlap.

During the process of joining the particles 222 to the fibers 108 of the fabric 102, the fiber formation process has not been completed. More specifically, the connection can be made prior to the completion of coagulation and/or precipitation of the fibers 108 from the lyocell fiber spinning solution 104. Advantageously, the bond strength between the particles 220 and the fibers 108 can be further enhanced during the shrinking process of the fibers 108 and during the drying process after coagulation or precipitation. By closely controlling the processing parameters of the manufacturing method, a tightly bonded particle-fiber fabric 102 in which the fibers 108 and the particles 220 are not easily separated from each other can be obtained. Attachment of the particles 222 to the fibers 108 during formation of the fibers 108 and/or the embedded fibers 108 can be suitably embedded and can enclose the cellulosic material to find a greater number of attachment points for the individual particles 220. With this measure, the amount of particles 220 to be added to the fabric 102 can be maintained in small amounts while at the same time effectively preventing unwanted particles 220 from escaping from the fibers 108.

A further advantageous property of a particular electromagnetic radiation diffusing particle 220, such as titanium dioxide, is its photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity can be further enhanced by the high surface/volume ratio of the nanoparticle to the microparticle. Thus, the particles 220 can be formed into nanoparticles. In the present context, the results confirm that titanium dioxide is more suitable for use as electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 221 in an anatase crystal state when strong photocatalytic properties are required. In the presence of ultraviolet radiation, anatase-type titanium dioxide can form free radicals from water or air, which can (especially oxidize) decompose (especially organic) harmful substances. Such additional functionalization of the nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web 102 having electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 having photocatalytic activity, such as anatase titanium dioxide, may be particularly advantageous in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, cleaning procedures for cleaning fabric 102 having attached and/or embedded electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 in cleaning unit 180 may selectively remove weakly attached particles 220 from fibers 108. Taking this measure, it is ensured that the fabric 102 that is easy to manufacture contains only the particles 220 that are strongly bonded to the fibers 108. This prevents unwanted particles 220 from escaping from the fibers 108 during use of the fabric 102 by the user.

The fibers 108 may also be combined prior to and/or during agglomeration to additionally promote retention of the particles 220 within the fabric 102 by reducing the total fiber surface of the fabric 102 so produced.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 can be coated with additional materials to provide a particular additional function. Such additional functionality may be an improvement in improved dispersion properties and/or light stability. Additionally, the particles 220 can be coated such that they are not chemically attacked by the spinning dope or the lyocell spinning solution 104.

In still other embodiments, large electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220, such as titanium dioxide particles, can be embedded in the nonwoven cellulosic fabric 102. Taking this measure ensures that sufficient particles 220 are also present on the surface of the fibers 108. Therefore, the photocatalytic effect of titanium dioxide can be used particularly efficiently. For example, the effect can be applied to antibacterial, neutralizing taste and/or cleaning functions. Individual effects may be enhanced or even optimized by correspondingly adjusting the amount of particles 220, the size of the particles 220, the surface location of the particles 220, and the like. Since the particles 220 are only active when present on the surface of the fibers 108, particularly when utilizing such functionalized effects, it may be advantageous to add the particles 222 to the gas stream 146 and/or to the coacervate fluid 106.

In still other embodiments, the fabric 102 having surface-attached and/or embedded electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles 220 can be used to provide a product (such as a medical bandage or surgical dressing) or an ultraviolet light for a smoke mask. protection. At the same time, an optical diffusing function can be achieved (so that the wound covered by the fabric 102 does not become visible in the wet state).

In still other embodiments, the manufactured fabric 108 can be used in X-ray protection products, such as for medical clothing or cloth having X-ray protection.

In still other embodiments, the manufactured fabric 108 can be used in a surgical pad or cloth that is easily detected by X-ray analysis.

In summary, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the following adjustments may be made: - a low uniform fiber diameter enables a high smoothness fabric 102 - a multilayer fabric 102 having a low average fiber diameter enables in low fabrics Obtaining a high fabric thickness at density - an equal absorption curve of the functionalized layer enables uniform humidity and fluid absorption performance, as well as uniform expression of fluid release - the connection enabling of layers 200, 202 of fabric 102 is designed for layer separation Products with low batt shedding - can also functionalize a single layer 200, 202 differently to obtain products with anisotropic properties (eg, for wicking, oil absorption, water absorption, cleanliness, roughness).

In the end, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are illustrative and not limiting, and that many alternative embodiments can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the patent application, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the invention. The use of "comprising/comprises" or the like does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the scope of the application or the entire specification. The singular reference of the elements does not exclude the plural referents of the elements and vice versa. In the context of a patent application for a device that enumerates several tools, such tools may be embodied by the same software or hardware item. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in the claims of the claims

In the following, examples of changes in the combination factor are generated and visualized in the table below. Different combinations of cellulosic fiber fabrics can be achieved by varying the coagulation spray stream while using a constant spinning solution (ie, a spinning solution having a constant consistency), particularly a lyocell fiber spinning solution, and a constant gas flow (eg, air pass). And earned. Thereby, the relationship between the condensed spray stream and the combination factor can be observed, that is, the combined performance trend (the higher the condensed spray stream, the lower the combination factor). The MD thus represents the portrait and the CD represents the landscape.

Softness (described by the known specific hand measurement technique, which is based on the non-woven standard WSP90.3, especially the latest edition effective on the priority date of this patent application, using the so-called "Handle-O-Meter" "Measurement" can follow the above combined trend. Toughness (indicated by Fmax), for example, according to EN 29073-3, ISO 9073-3, respectively, especially the latest edition in effect on the priority date of this patent application, may also follow the combined trend. Thus, the softness and toughness of the resulting nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric can be adjusted according to the degree of combination (as specified by the combination factor).

100‧‧‧ device

102‧‧‧ fabric

104‧‧‧Lysel Spinning Solution

106‧‧‧Condensate fluid

108‧‧‧Cellulose fiber

110‧‧‧ Wood pulp

112‧‧‧ water container

113‧‧‧Measuring unit

114‧‧‧ Storage tank

116‧‧‧ solvent container

118‧‧‧Concentration unit

119‧‧‧Mixed unit

120‧‧‧Dissolution unit

122‧‧‧Nozzles

124‧‧‧Fiber forming unit

126‧‧‧Spinning hole

128‧‧‧aggregation unit

132‧‧‧Fiber support unit

134‧‧‧Processing unit

136‧‧‧Winding machine

140‧‧‧Control unit

146‧‧‧ airflow

180‧‧‧cleaning unit

200/202‧‧ layer

204‧‧‧ merged location

220‧‧‧ granules

222‧‧‧Redstone titanium oxide

224‧‧‧Oxygen

226‧‧‧Titanium

228‧‧‧ Anatase titanium oxide

250‧‧‧Related diagram

252‧‧‧Particle size D

254‧‧‧ Relative light scattering capacity S

256‧‧‧Blue

258‧‧‧Green light

260‧‧‧Red light

270‧‧‧ arrow

The invention will be hereinafter described with reference to examples of the embodiments, but the invention is not limited thereto: FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the invention for use in a condensed fluid from a condensed lyocell spinning dope A device for directly forming a non-woven cellulose fiber fabric. 2 to 4 show experimental images of non-woven cellulose fiber fabrics according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which are completed by special process control, in combination with individual fibers. 5 and 6 show experimental photographs of a non-woven cellulose fiber fabric according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which expansion of fibers has been completed, wherein FIG. 5 shows a fiber fabric in a dry non-expanded state, and FIG. 6 shows A fibrous fabric in a wet expanded state. Figure 7 shows an experimental photograph of an unwoven cellulose fiber fabric in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which the formation of an overlay of two fibers has been accomplished by a special method of implementing two nozzle strips in series. Figure 8 is a graph showing the particle size (drawn along the abscissa) and relative light scattering ability (along the abscissa) of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles as a non-woven cellulose fiber fabric according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A diagram of the relationship between the ordinates and the ordinates. Figure 9 illustrates a basic unit cell of rutile-type titanium oxide used as electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles of a non-woven cellulose fiber fabric according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 illustrates a basic unit cell of anatase type titanium oxide used as electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles of a non-woven cellulose fiber fabric according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 illustrates a procedure performed during a method of making a nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web with electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles implemented in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 illustrates an apparatus for making a nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is particularly suitable for integrating electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles into a nonwoven cellulosic fiber fabric.

The illustrations in the drawings are schematic. Similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the different drawings.

Claims (15)

A nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web (102), particularly produced directly from a lyocell spinning dope (104), wherein the fabric (102) comprises a network of substantially endless fibers (108) The structure and at least 0.1% by mass of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) attached to the fiber (108). The fabric (102) of claim 1, wherein the fabric (102) comprises not more than 15% by mass of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220), particularly not more than 4% by mass of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) ). A fabric (102) according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises at least one of the following features: wherein the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) are configured to diffusely be selected from the group consisting of visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and Electromagnetic radiation in at least one wavelength range of the group of X-rays; wherein the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) comprise at least one of the group consisting of: citrate, magnesium oxide, hydroquinone Magnesium, magnesium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, boron nitride, cerium oxide, and zinc oxide. The fabric (102) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least 80% of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) have a diameter of at least 70 nm, in particular at least 100 nm, more particularly In the range of 70 nm and 3000 nm, it is preferably in the range of 100 nm and 2000 nm. The fabric (102) of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the fiber (108) has a copper content of less than 5 ppm and/or a nickel content of less than 2 ppm. The fabric (102) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least 80% of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) are in a rutile state and/or an anatase state. A fabric (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 which comprises at least one of the following features: wherein at least a portion, in particular at least 50%, more particularly at least 90%, of the electromagnetic radiation Diffusing particles (220) are embedded within the fiber (108); at least a portion, particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 90% of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) are attached to the fiber ( a surface of 108); wherein at least a portion, particularly at least 50%, more particularly at least 90% of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) are substantially spherical; wherein the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) have more than 1.5 refractive index. The fabric (102) of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) are configured to cause the fabric (102) to be wet in the fabric (102). It is opaque. The fabric (102) of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) are functionalized, particularly photocatalytically active. A method of making a nonwoven cellulosic fibrous web (102) directly from a lyocell fiber spinning dope (104), wherein the method comprises the lyocell fiber spinning dope (104) passing through at least one of the orifices ( The nozzle (122) of 126) is extruded into the agglomerated fluid (106) atmosphere under the support of the gas stream (146) to form a substantially endless fiber (108); the fiber (108) is collected in the fiber support unit ( 132), thereby forming a fabric (102); adjusting process parameters such that the fabric (102) comprises at least 0.1% by mass of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) attached to the fiber (108). The method of claim 10, comprising at least one of the following features: wherein at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) are operable with the lyocell fiber spinning solution (104) prior to completion of coagulation Ground interaction; wherein the gas stream (146) is enriched with at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) to provide a fabric (102) having the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220); wherein the coalescing fluid (106) Enriching at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) to provide a fabric (102) having the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220); wherein the lyocell fiber is spun upstream of the spinneret (126) The liquid (104) is enriched with at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) to provide a fabric (102) having the electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220); wherein the collected fibers (108) are subjected to a cleaning procedure Electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) that are only weakly attached to the fibers (108) are washed from the fabric (102). The method of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises further processing in situ after collection on the fiber support unit (132), in particular by at least one of the group consisting of: The fibers (108) and/or the fabric (102): hydro-entanglement, needle punching, dipping, pressurized steam steaming, and calendering. A device (100) for fabricating a nonwoven cellulosic fabric (102) directly from a lyocell fiber spinning solution (104), wherein the device (100) comprises: at least one nozzle having a spinneret (126) (122) ) configured to extrude the lyocell fiber spinning solution (104) under the support of a gas stream (146); a coalescing unit (128) configured to provide a product for the extrusion The Xaar fiber spinning solution (104) agglomerates the fluid (104) atmosphere to form substantially endless fibers (108); a fiber support unit (132) configured to collect the fibers (108), thereby Forming the fabric (102); a control unit (140) configured to adjust process parameters such that the fabric (102) comprises at least 0.1% by mass of electromagnetic radiation diffusing particles (220) attached to the fiber (108) ). A method of using a non-woven cellulose fiber fabric (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for use in at least one of the group consisting of: a wipe, Dryer sheets, filters, hygiene products, medical applications, geotextile, agrotextile, clothing, construction technology products, automotive products, furnishing, industrial products , beauty, leisure, sports or travel related products, and school or office related products. A product or composite comprising the fabric (102) of any one of claims 1 to 9.