Cotton-quality fibers from complexation between anionic and cationic cellulose nanoparticles.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Natural polymers like cotton and flax are traditional textile sources.
• Regenerated cellulose fibers (Viscose, Lyocell, Ioncell-F) extend wood-based textile applications.
• Existing fibers do not fully meet demands for sustainable cellulose-based fabrics, driving innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel sustainable cellulose-based fibers from wood.
• To overcome limitations of current mechanical spinning technologies for cellulose fibers.
• To enhance fiber quality and strength using nanocellulose with controlled surface properties.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of nanocellulose with low surface charge using reactive eutectic media.
• Spinning of low-charge nanocellulose into fibers.
• Characterization of fiber properties, focusing on mechanical strength and wet performance.
• Un-optimized spinning to assess intrinsic fiber properties.

Main Results:

• Fibers spun from low-charge nanocellulose restored native hydrogen bonding.
• The developed fibers exhibited intrinsic mechanical strength, even in wet conditions.
• Low surface charge enabled improved fiber consistency and potential for further engineering.

Conclusions:

• Low-charge nanocellulose offers a viable route to high-strength, sustainable wood-based fibers.
• This method addresses challenges in mechanical fiber spinning and wet strength limitations.
• The technology paves the way for engineering cotton-like fabrics from wood with reduced environmental impact.