Compositions useful for making lyoc

Compositions useful for making lyocell fibers, or other molded bodies such as films, have a high hemicellulosecontent, a lowlignin contentand include cellulose thathas a lowaverage D.P. Preferably, the cellulose and hemicelluloseare derived from wood, more preferably from softwood. Preferably, the compositions have a low copper number, a lowtransition metal content, a low fines content and a high freeness. Compositions may be in a form that is adapted forstorage or transportation, such as a sheet, roll, or bale. Compositions may be mixed with other components or additivesto form pulp useful for making lyocell molded bodies, such as fiber or films. The present invention provides lyocell fiberscontaining cellulose having a low average D.P., a high proportion of hemicellulose and a low lignin content. The lyocellfibers of the present invention also preferably possess a low copper number and a low transition metal content. In oneembodiment, preferred lyocell fibers of the present invention possess a non-lustrous surface and a natural crimp thatconfers on them the appearance of natural fibers. Further, the preferred lyocell fibers of the present invention haveenhanced dye-binding properties and a reduced tendency to fibrillate.