Fabrication of Regenerated Cellulose Fibers with Good Strength and Biocompatibility from Green Spinning Process of Ionic Liquid

Abstract In this study, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate, having the advantages of regulating the performance of cellulose dissolution and degradation, simplicity in synthesis, is chosen as solvent to dissolve wood pulp cellulose for regenerated cellulose fibers (RCFs) manufacture using dry‐jet wet spinning equipment. The effect of draw ratios on RCFs’ mechanical properties in three bathes, including coagulation bath, stretch bath, and washing bath is investigated and a series of RCFs with high strength are obtained. The morphology, crystallinity, thermal stability, and dyeing behavior of the prepared RCFs are analyzed and discussed. More importantly, the biocompatibility of the RCFs, which is first performed, demonstrated that the toxicity of RCFs is as low as the viscose fibers. These RCFs could be easily dyed by natural turmeric and antibacterial fibers are obtained finally. In conclusion, this work provides tools for achievement of RCFs with good strength and environmental friendliness by changing the draw ratios, and also further develops a new green process for fabricating RCFs based on ionic liquids.