Ionic liquids (ILs) have proven to be efficient non-derivatizing solvents for cellulose. However, only little is known about the rheological behaviour of cellulose-IL solutions, which is a prerequisite for processing and regenerating cellulose in the form of value-added products. Even though some information about the rheological behaviour of cellulose-IL solution under shear has been published, virtually no information about extensional-rheological properties of high concentrated IL-biopolymer solutions is available.Using a capillary break-up extensional rheometer (CaBER) the influence of the molecular weight distribution on the elongational behaviour of ionic liquid-cellulose solutions is determined and compared to conventional rotational rheology. Therefore, cotton linters blends with a fixed average molecular weight but different molecular weight distribution were prepared and dissolved in an ionic liquid at commercially relevant concentrations of around 10 %. Subsequently, relaxation time and viscosity of extensional flow at elevated temperature were evaluated. Thus, new parameters to predict spinnability can be generated.

Influence of the molecular weight distribution of cellulose on the extensional rheology of cellulose-ionic liquid solutions

241st National Meeting (2011)

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