A production process for regenerated cellulose fibres based on the cellulose carbamate process without the use of sulphur or heavy metals (Part 1)

The carbamate process was further developed once the basic technology had been patented. The results have led to an improvement in both process economy and process ecology. The technology is very well suited to adaptation to existing viscose systems, thus keeping the requirements for capital investment low.

The viscose process has been used for the production of cellulose regenerate fibres for more than a century. Although this process enjoys a high level of market acceptance, it is environmentally harmful and releases pollutants into the air and water (carbon disulphide, hydrogen sulphide and heavy metals). 
The CC (cellulose carbamate) process represents an environmentally compatible alternative. The aim of the joint project was to increase the attractiveness of the cellulose carbamate process as a replacement for the viscose process from an ecological, and particularly from an economic, point of view. Within the framework of this sub-project, industrial spinning and processing tests were organised, the development status was evaluated and the basis for systems engineering was created. 
Results: 

• The synthesis of cellulose carbamate was developed further: on the one hand, a melt synthesis was established in a stirring reactor, while on the other hand a xylene process was implemented, using cellulose as a basic material on a small scale. 
• Both developments resulted in reduced investment costs during the conversion of an existing viscose fibre system to the more environmentally compatible carbamate technology. 
• Depending on the raw material availability (cellulose or alkali cellulose) and the site coditions (e.g. urea supply and disposal), the best process solution can then be offered. 
• A comparison of the emission situation shows that the carbamate process has fewer adverse effects on the environment, as a result of its ecologically more compatible nitrogen chemistry, and that such adverse effects can be reduced even further by using established technologies. 

The final report (call number QN1(145,23), in German) can be borrowed from:  
Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB) Hannover  
Welfengarten 1B 
30167 Hannover



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