GB750100A - Process for the manufacture of regenerated cellulose structures from viscose - Google Patents

Abstract

Regenerated cellulose structures, e.g. artificial threads, bands, films and sponges, are made from viscose which contains such a quantity of a dithiocarbamate substituted on the nitrogen atom by one or more aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radicals, and containing at least 12 carbon atoms per molecule, as is equivalent to 1-5 per cent by weight (calculated on dry cellulose) of the primary or secondary amine from which the dithiocarbamate is derived. The dithiocarbamate may be added during the manufacture of the viscose, and advantageously it may be formed in situ by adding the primary or secondary aliphatic or cycloaliphatic amines having the necessary number of carbon atoms (from which the dithiocarbamates are prepared by reaction with carbon disulphide, preferably in the presence of caustic alkalies) to the alkali cellulose or to the viscose containing free carbon disulphide and alkali. Specified amines are n-undecyl-, sec.-undecyl-, dodecyl-, tridecyl-, tetradecyl-, pentadecyl-, hexadecyl-, octadecyl-, di - n - hexyl-, di - n - heptyl-, di - n - octyl-, di-n-dodecyl-, dimiricyl-, di-(sec.-octyl)- and di-cyclohexyl-amines. The dithiocarbamates improve the spinnability of the viscose, and they or the amines re-formed therefrom in the acid precipitation bath serve to increase the stretch-ability of regenerated cellulose threads formed from the viscose. They also impart softness, a matt lustre, an increased strength and an increased resistance to hydrolysis and bacterial influences to the regenerated cellulose products.