Fiber Spinning from Cellulose Solutions in Imidazolium Ionic Liquids: Effects of Natural Antioxidants on Molecular Weight, Dope Discoloration, and Yellowing Behavior

Spinning of cellulosic fibers requires the prior dissolution cellulose. 3-Alkyl-1-methylimidazolium ionic liquids have proven to be suitable solvents for that purpose, but degradation cellulose in spinning dope can severe. Suitable stabilizers are therefore required prevent degradation, do not adversely affect spinnability or long-term yellowing behavior fibers. A group twelve renewables-based antioxidants was selected stabilizing 5% solutions and their effects on integrity, discoloration, aging were tested by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) ISO brightness measurements. Propyl gallate (a gallic acid derivative), hydroxytyrosol (from olives), tocopheramines vitamin E derivative) performed best three test categories, minimizing both chromophore formation dope, upon accelerating spun The use these imidazolium-based solvent system recommended from point view performance sustainability.