The X-ray diffraction patterns of control and mercerized cotton fibers were simulated with perfect cellulose I尾 and II crystals, respectively, as well as amorphous cellulose.
The simulated crystalline fraction was larger for control cotton but smaller for mercerized cotton as compared with their respective Segal CI value. This discrepancy was explained by the dependence of the Segal amorphous intensity on crystal size, cellulose polymorph, and the degree of polymorphic conversion.