It is important to determine at what level of organisation this phenomenon of accelerated creep occurs. Rayon was chosen as a model system in which to study the molecular level performance of cellulose based materials. Transient effects were observed in the dynamic moduli of rayon but not accelerated creep. Moisture interactions with paper and fibres Cellulosic fibres contain a certain percentage of water, the level of which is influenced by the relative humidity of the surrounding atmosphere. The water is present in various locations within the fibre, and the properties of the water varies with location.
Water also moves into and out of the fibre as the relative humidity of the air is changed.
As the water content influences other properties, an understanding of interactions between water and the constituents of fibres, is vital for a better understanding of fibre and paper properties. NMR and dielectric loss spectroscopy techniques have been established for studying the interaction of water with fibres, and some preliminary results obtained. Network Deformation in Paper subjected to stress We have produced the first video recording of the deformation of fibres in the centre of a paper sheet subjected to a tensile force, using a confocal microscope. Analysis of the video is providing insight into the deformation of fibre networks. Characterisation of paper structure Techniques for image enhancement prior to structure analysis of paper networks have been examined.