Cellulose Fiber Production via Ionic Liquid Purity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellulose fibers decompose easily when heated during the production process, leading to reduced molecular weight and mechanical strength, particularly when 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride is used as a solvent due to impurities like 1-methylimidazolium chloride.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising cellulose and a compound represented by the formula (1), with a concentration of 1-methylimidazolium chloride at 300 ppm or less, where the compound accounts for 90% of the solvent, and treated with a reaction product of 1-methyl imidazole and RCl using ion adsorption agents, effectively suppressing cellulose decomposition and enhancing mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cellulose is dissolved in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride containing high concentration of 1-methylimidazolium chloride impurity, then cellulose dissolution is achieved, but cellulose decomposition easily proceeds when heated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by strictly controlling the concentration of 1-methylimidazolium chloride impurity to 300 ppm or less in the ionic liquid solvent. This parameter control prevents cellulose decomposition while maintaining effective dissolution, resolving the contradiction between dissolution capability and stability during heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a purified ionic liquid as an intermediary medium that enables cellulose dissolution without causing decomposition. By using the ionic liquid with controlled impurity levels as a mediator, the system achieves both dissolution and stability that cannot be obtained with conventional solvents
2Ease of manufacture
If cellulose is dissolved and heated during fiber production, then fiber spinning is enabled, but fiber strength is reduced due to cellulose decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains cellulose molecular weight and fiber strength by controlling the ionic liquid purity parameter (1-methylimidazolium chloride ≤ 300 ppm) and optimizing processing temperature parameters. This enables heat treatment during spinning without significant decomposition, resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-purifying the ionic liquid solvent to remove decomposition-causing impurities before the spinning process. This preventive measure cushions against potential cellulose decomposition during heating, ensuring fiber strength is maintained throughout the manufacturing process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution prevents cellulose decomposition even when heated, resulting in cellulose fibers with improved mechanical strength and viscosity, suitable for fiber-reinforced resin materials and printed wiring boards.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving a cellulose raw material in an ionic liquid
Implementation Method 2
treating a reaction product of 1-methyl imidazole and RCl with a treating agent having ion adsorption ability
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cellulose solution (a composition) in which decomposition of cellulose does not easily proceed even if heated. Further, provided is a method for producing a cellulose fiber excellent in mechanical strength. The composition includes cellulose and a compound represented by the following formula (1), a concentration of 1-methylimidazolium chloride being 300 ppm or less on a mass basis with respect to the compound represented by the formula (1).In the formula (1), R is an alkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and Me is a methyl group.