Spinning Approach for Cellulose Fiber Yarn Using a Deep Eutectic Solvent and an Inclined Channel

We developed a spinning approach for a dope produced by treating softwood pulp with a deep eutectic solvent (DES). The DES enables formation of a sufficiently viscous spinnable gel-like suspension of fibers, which solidifies upon the removal of the DES. This solidification, however, requires a longer time compared to most conventional wet spinning processes. Consequently, the continuity of the spinning process has been constrained in previous work. Moreover, the ability to draw the incipient yarn to increase orientation has been limited. Here we present a continuous spinning approach where the fiber yarn properties and processability can be improved using an inclined channel. A combination of an air gap and an inclined ethanol stream transports and draws the incipient fiber yarn during spinning. The influence of syringe tip diameter, angle of the channel, ethanol flow rate, and twisting were studied experimentally. The improvements in the spinning process resulted in an increase in load bearing capability and ability to reduce the linear density of the fiber yarn.