A production process for regenerated cellulose fibres based on the cellulose carbamate process without the use of sulphur or heavy metals: Process and product optimisation (Part 2)

The advanced cellulose carbamate process represents an environmentally compatible alternative to the traditional viscose process; it is intentionally similar to the latter and thus allows for cost-effective revamping or improvement of the process, as well as for the development of viscose-like products with good prospects for success.

For ecological reasons in particular, it is necessary to develop an alternative process to the viscose process that has been mainly used to date. This is because the viscose process releases sulphurous substances into the exhaust air and pollutes waste water with the heavy metal zinc chloride. 
An alternative option would be the carbamate process, the basis for which was created in the precursor project. The focus of this work was the further development of the cellulose carbamate process with regard to process economy during the synthesis and spinning process stages. 
Results: 

• A radically simplified, integrated synthesis process, including the activation and the transformation of cellulose into xylene as an inert medium, was developed on a laboratory scale and a patent was applied for. In addition, the original Zimmer synthesis process was optimised and used for the production of cellulose carbamates for spinning trials on a pilot and industrial scale. 
• The resultant fibre properties correspond to the viscose fibre quality as the benchmark for product development. A particularly striking aspect is the excellent colouring properties of the carbamate fibres in comparison with viscose fibres. 
• All in all, the results anticipate successful tests, both on a pilot and an industrial scale. 
• Cellulose carbamate could open up new possibilities in cellulose chemistry. In this respect, new applications for cellulose carbamate must be taken into account (e.g. carpet cleaners, hollow fibres, films, sponge cloths and non-woven materials).

The final report (call number F 04 B 1023, in German) can be borrowed from:  
Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB) Hannover  
Welfengarten 1B 
30167 Hannover





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