Composition for preparing polysaccharide fibers
View Patent ↗This invention pertains to a novel solution composition useful for preparing fibers from poly(α(1→3) glucan). The fibers prepared according to the invention, have “cotton-like” properties, are useful in textile applications, and can be produced as continuous filaments on a year-round basis. The solution comprises a 5-20% solids concentration of poly(α(1→3) glucan) in an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide, in particular NaOH at concentration of 2 to 10 weight-%.
1. A solution comprising aqueous alkali metal hydroxide and poly(α(1→3) glucan) wherein the solids concentration of poly(α(1→3) glucan) is in the range of 5-20% by weight with respect to the total weight of the solution; and, wherein the concentration of the aqueous alkali metal hydroxide is in the range of 2 to 10%.
2. The solution of claim 1 wherein the alkali metal hydroxide is NaOH.
3. The solution of claim 2 wherein the concentration of the NaOH is 4 to 6%.
4. The solution of claim 1 wherein the solids concentration of the poly(α(1→3) glucan) is in the range of 7.5 to 16%.
5. The solution of claim 1 wherein the solution is isotropic.
6. The solution of claim 1 wherein the poly(α(1→3) glucan) is characterized by a number average molecular weight of at least 10,000 Daltons.
7. The solution of claim 3 wherein the solids concentration of the poly(α(1→3) glucan) is in the range of 7.5 to 16% and the poly(α(1→3) glucan) is characterized by a number average molecular weight of at least 10,000 Daltons.
8. The solution of claim 1 wherein the solution is anisotropic.