GB486866A - Manufacture of artificial filaments or similar materials - Google Patents

Abstract

Liquid residues obtained in the production of alcohols or conversion products thereof by catalytic methods involving the reaction of oxides of carbon with hydrogen or substances yielding hydrogen, which have undergone a deep seated change by hydrogenation, preferably catalytic hydrogenation, and which boil between 140 and 350 DEG C., are added to viscose which is then formed into artificial filaments or similar materials having a matt lustre. By the hydrogenation practically all aldehydes and ketones in the residues are converted into alcohols and double linkages are saturated. Artificial silk of a lustre similar to that of natural silk may be obtained. As addition to the viscose, hydrogenation products of the high boiling portions obtained in the synthesis of methanol or in the syntheses described in Specifications 229,714, 238,319, and 254,819, [all in Class 2 (iii)], may be used. The residues may be fractionated before hydrogenation, the fractions suitable for the process may then be hydrogenated and used as a whole or after a subsequent fractionation. Individual substances such as secondary or branched chain alcohols may be isolated from the residues before or after the hydrogenation, and may subsequently be added to the viscose. The substance to be added may be treated with alkali lye or may be subjected to steam distillation before or after hydrogenation. In an example, the fraction boiling at 160-220 DEG C. of the condensate obtained in the catalytic reduction of carbon monoxide by hydrogen is treated with alkali lye and then hydrogenized catalytically at 200 atmospheres pressure. The product is subjected to distillation in steam to expel 10 per cent of first runnings. The product is mixed with viscose from which mat artificial silk is obtained. In another example, the fraction boiling at 120-220 DEG C. of the condensate obtained in the catalytic reduction of carbon monoxide is hydrogenized catalytically under pressure, and the portion of the product which boils at 180-200 DEG C. is added to viscose. In another example, a mixture of residues from the catalytic reduction of carbon monoxide is subjected to catalytic hydrogenation and the product which boils at 240-300 DEG C. is added to viscose or to the crude material used for making the viscose.