PRODUCTION OF HIGH STRENGTH CELLULOSE FIBER USING ZINC CHLORIDE, ORGANIC SOLVENTS AND AQUEOUS SOLUTION
The present invention relates to the production of high tensile strength, solvent-spun cellulose fiber which is stable in alkaline solutions. More particularly, the invention relates to a process in which cellulose is solubilized in a zinc chloride solution then extruded into a coagulation medium in which the cellulose fibers form. The fibers are removed from the coagulation medium, treated to remove the coagulation medium, stretched and recrystallized in water, thus forming the high tensile strength, solvent-spun cellulose fibers.