Effect of calcium chloride on the physical characteristics of cellulose fibers regenerated from zinc-cellulose complexes
Abstract
High tensile strength cellulose fibers were made from zinc-cellulose complexes in zinc chloride solution. The formation of zinc-cellulose complex is a path-dependent process. There are many possible types of zinc-cellulose complexes that could be formed in the dissolution process of cellulose. Many metal ions were also shown to interfere with complex formation. Different zinc-cellulose complexes resulted in cellulose fibers with different physical properties. Calcium chloride can interact with zinc-cellulose complexes to produce rigid cellulose molecules that lead to cellulose fiber of high tensile strength. After examining, viscosity, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Ultra-Violet (UV) spectra of cellulose solutions, it was concluded that zinc-cellulose complexes can be produced only in concentrated zinc chloride solutions. All zinc-cellulose complexes absorb UV light of wavelength at 290 nm. Calcium chloride enhanced this spectral effect. The optical density of zinc-cellulose complexes in cellulose solutions containing calcium chloride was highly correlated with the tensile strength of the regenerated cellulose fiber. This property promises to be useful for monitoring fiber formation.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Chen, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Food science|Materials science|Polymers|Textile research
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.