Poly(α1→3) Glucan Fiber Spinning via NMMO Solution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing poly(α(1→3) glucan fibers result in molecular weight loss and degradation of mechanical properties due to exposure to hot aqueous environments, limiting their suitability for textile applications.
Innovation Solution
A solution spinning process using a mixture of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) and water with poly(α(1→3) glucan), maintaining a concentration range of 5-20% by weight and a weight ratio of NMMO to water between 12:1 and 1.6, allows for the formation of highly oriented and crystalline fibers without sacrificing molecular weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional hot aqueous environment methods are used to process poly(α(1→3) glucan), then the polymer can be manipulated and formed into fibers, but molecular weight is lost and mechanical properties are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical environment from traditional hot aqueous conditions to a non-aqueous ionic liquid system at lower temperatures. This parameter change allows fiber formation while preserving molecular weight and mechanical properties, as the ionic liquid provides sufficient chain extension and backbone rigidity without causing hydrolytic degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic liquid acts as an intermediary solvent that enables fiber formation without directly causing degradation. It mediates between the polymer chains, providing the necessary solvation and chain extension while protecting against hydrolytic cleavage that occurs in traditional aqueous environments.
2Ease of operation
If sufficient polysaccharide chain extension is achieved in β(1→4) linked polysaccharides to form liquid crystalline solutions, then fiber formation is enabled, but α(1→3) linked polysaccharides were previously considered incapable of achieving the required molecular aspect ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the glycosidic linkage configuration from β(1→4) to α(1→3), which fundamentally alters the polymer conformation and chain extension characteristics. This parameter change enables α(1→3) linked polysaccharides to achieve sufficient molecular aspect ratio and form liquid crystalline solutions capable of fiber formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical stretching process with a solution-based approach where liquid crystalline ordering provides the necessary orientation. The ionic liquid environment enables spontaneous chain alignment and liquid crystalline phase formation, eliminating the need for extensive post-processing mechanical stretching.
3Manufacturing precision
If polysaccharides are exposed to hot aqueous environments for stretching and crystallization, then fiber orientation and crystallinity are improved, but chain cleavage occurs and molecular weight is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing temperature from high (150°C stretching, 140°C annealing) to lower temperatures compatible with the ionic liquid system. This parameter change prevents thermal and hydrolytic degradation while still achieving adequate chain orientation and crystallinity through the liquid crystalline phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic liquid serves as a protective intermediary during processing, preventing direct contact between the polysaccharide chains and degrading aqueous environments. It maintains chain integrity during orientation and crystallization processes while enabling the necessary structural development.
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 process enables the production of stable, high-quality poly(α(1→3) glucan fibers with maintained molecular weight and enhanced mechanical properties, suitable for textile applications without the degradation issues associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving in a mixture of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) and water, 5 to 20 % by weight of the total weight of the resulting solution of poly(α(1→3) glucan
Implementation Method 2
cellulose exhibits sufficient chain extension and backbone rigidity in solution to form liquid crystalline solutions
Implementation Method 3
using a liquid coagulant to extract the NMMO from the thus formed fiber
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
This invention pertains to a novel process for preparing fibers from poly(alpha(1->3) glucan). The fibers prepared according to the invention, have"cotton-like" properties, are useful in textile applications, and can be produced as continuous filaments on a year-round basis. The process comprises solution spinning from a novel solution of poly(alpha(1->3) glucan) in a mixture of water and N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide followed by coagulation in a liquid coagulant that comprises a liquid that is not water..