RADIAL-DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION-ANALYSIS STUDY ON ALKALI AND HEAT-TREATED RAMIE FIBER

The radial distribution function (RDF) analysis of wide-angle X-ray di ffraction by ramie fibers in untreated condition and after treatment w ith alkali of mercerizing strength or heat have been carried out. Inte ratomic distances, coordination numbers, mean square displacements, an d coupling constants for different atom pairs have been calculated. Th e results have been interpreted in terms of a difference in both the c onformation and packing of molecular chains in raw and alkali-treated ramie. In general, the coupling constant values have been found to be more in alkali-treated ramie, indicating relatively weak bond strength . Heat-treated ramie shows a marginal decrease in coupling constant va lues. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.