A small-angle X-ray scattering study of the effect of hydration on the microstructure of flax fibers.

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments with in situ dehydration have been performed on small bundles of flax fibers. Analysis indicated that the structure of the cellulose microfibrils is consistent with a cross section of approximately 10 x 50 A2. The microfibril misalignment was Gaussian with a full width at half-maximum of 11-15 degrees, dependent on hydration level. A meridional peak at q = 0.095 A-1 was observed, possibly for the first time in cellulose I fibers, and this has been attributed to a crystalline/noncrystalline repeat repeat distance of 60-70 A. It has also been noted that there is considerable change in structure as flax fibers dry from the wet state.