Cellulosic fiber processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellulosic fibers strengthened with polymeric materials often exhibit undesirable characteristics such as reduced moisture sensitivity, excessive rigidity, and brittleness, and the production of high-performance fibers with increased strength is costly.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the combination of cellulosic material and aldaric acid in a solvent to produce a mixture, which is then spun and thermally drawn to create strengthened cellulosic fibers, enhancing their tenacity and modulus without imparting unwanted properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polymeric materials are added to strengthen cellulosic fibers, then fiber strength is improved, but moisture sensitivity is reduced and the fibers become excessively rigid and brittle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by using aldaric acid (a sugar acid) instead of conventional polymeric materials. This parameter change maintains fiber strength while preserving moisture sensitivity, as aldaric acid is a natural component that does not interfere with the cellulosic fiber's inherent moisture interaction properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs aldaric acid, which can be derived from renewable resources like corn starch or cellulose, replacing expensive synthetic polymeric materials. This substitution reduces production costs while achieving the desired fiber strengthening effect without the adverse properties of synthetic polymers
2Strength
If polymeric materials are added to strengthen cellulosic fibers, then fiber strength is improved, but the fibers become excessively rigid and brittle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the strengthening agent parameter from synthetic polymers to aldaric acid, which provides tensile strength enhancement while maintaining fiber flexibility. The aldaric acid integrates with the cellulosic structure without creating excessive rigidity, thus preserving the fiber's ability to bend and deform without breaking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where aldaric acid is combined with cellulosic fibers at the molecular level. This composite approach allows the natural compatibility between the sugar acid and cellulose to work synergistically, providing both strength and flexibility that neither component could achieve alone in the context of fiber reinforcement
3Strength
If conventional methods are used to produce high-performance fibers with increased strength, then fiber strength is improved, but production cost becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aldaric acid derived from inexpensive renewable resources such as corn starch or cellulose waste, replacing costly synthetic polymeric materials. This substitution significantly reduces raw material costs while maintaining the fiber strengthening effect, making high-performance cellulosic fibers economically viable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the natural properties of aldaric acid, which can be produced through fermentation or chemical oxidation of readily available carbohydrates. This self-service approach using naturally occurring or easily synthesized compounds eliminates the need for complex, expensive polymer synthesis processes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs
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 method effectively improves the dry and wet tenacity of regenerated cellulosic fibers, achieving higher tensile strength and modulus while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
combining cellulosic material and aldaric acid in a first solvent to produce a first mixture including 0.1-10 weight percent aldaric acid, agitating the first mixture, thereby dissolving the cellulosic material and producing a first solution
Implementation Method 2
thermally drawing the as-spun fiber through a second bath comprising oil to produce a regenerated fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Strengthening the dry and wet tenacity of regenerated cellulosic fibers can be performed through the addition of an aldaric acid, such as (but not limited to) glucaric acid. In some embodiments, regenerated cellulosic fibers that include an aldaric acid or a salt thereof, produced by the disclosed methods are also described. The produced fibers have advantageous properties due at least in part to the inclusion of the aldaric acid.