Structure and properties of novel cellulose-based fibers spun from aqueous NaOH solvent under various drawing conditions

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) fibers with low degree of substitution were prepared by wet spinning of solutions in 8 wt% aqueous NaOH solvent. The spinning solution had a classical shear-thinning behavior and a good stability towards gelation according to its rheological behavior. The influence of drawing conditions on the structural characteristics and tensile properties of the resultant HEC fibers was investigated using synchrotron X-ray measurements, scanning electron microscope and tensile tests. HEC fibers exhibited circular cross-sections with soft and deformable surface layer as well as relatively uniform and dense inner structure. Regardless of the different jet stretch or post-drawing conditions, most of the structural features and the tensile properties of HEC fibers were improved as the drawing ratio increased. Post-drawing was confirmed to be the key factor in controlling the fiber structure and tensile properties due to plastic deformation. Excellent tensile properties were found for HEC fibers prepared at relatively low jet ratio associated with high post-drawing ratio.