Rheological properties of cellulose/chitin xanthate blend solutions and properties of the prepared fibers

Abstract

AbstractThe focus of this article is the rheological properties of cellulose xanthate, chitin xanthate, and their blend solutions with cellulose/chitin blend weight ratios of 9.5 : 0.5, 9 : 1, 8 : 2, and 5 : 5 (mostly 9 : 1 blend solutions). The preparation and properties of fibers from 9 : 1 blend solutions and cellulose xanthate solutions are also discussed. The non‐Newtonian index of the investigated solutions was found to vary in the following order: chitin < cellulose < 9.5 : 0.5 blend < 9 : 1 blend < 8 : 2 blend < 5 : 5 blend. Showing a tendency contrary to that of the non‐Newtonian index, the structure viscosity index varies in the following order: chitin > cellulose > 9.5 : 0.5 blend > 9 : 1 blend > 8 : 2 blend > 5 : 5 blend. For 5–9 wt % 9 : 1 blend solutions, increasing the solution temperature aids the improvement of the fluidity of 9 : 1 blend solutions in the temperature range of 10–40°C. The zero shear viscosity decreases in an index manner with the solution temperature increasing. The 7–8 wt % 9 : 1 blend solutions have good filtering and rheological properties and are ideal for spinning fibers. The mechanical properties of blend fibers spun from 7% 9 : 1 blend solutions are lower than those of pure cellulose and are much higher than those of Crabyon fiber, and they still reach the national criteria and fit the need for further processing. This proves that the viscose method which we have developed here is an efficient way of preparing cellulose/chitin blend fibers with satisfactory mechanical properties and processing properties. Scanning electron microscopy photographs show that the surface of 9 : 1 blend fibers is coarser than that of pure cellulose fibers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008