An investigation into physical changes occurring in tencel fibres having different manufacturing dates

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been applied, in combination with measurements of strength, fluidity, and moisture regain, in an attempt to identify physical differences occurring within a series of Tencel fibres produced over a time-scale of six years. The results of all the methods used indicated that physical, and possibly chemical, changes occurred. Specifically, there was a reduction in strength and an increase in fluidity consistent with molecular weight degradation. Changes in the FTIR spectra supported this conclusion. Additionally, a 'crystallinity index', based on the FTIR data, was observed to increase with sample age. This finding was supported by the regain values, which decreased significantly with age. Attenuated Total Internal Reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy revealed surface-core differences in the fibres, resulting from a combination of crystallinity variation and oxidation. The ATR spectra also indicated that surface ageing may have taken place. © Textile Institute.