Polysaccharide fibers
View Patent ↗This invention pertains to novel fibers made of α(1→;3) polysaccharides, and a process for their production. The fibers of the invention have “cotton-like” properties but can be produced as continuous filaments on a year-round basis. The fibers are useful in textile applications.
1. A polysaccharide fiber, comprising: a polymer comprising hexose units wherein at least 50% of the hexose units are linked via an α(1→3) glycoside linkage, said polymer having a number average degree of polymerization of at least 100, and wherein said fiber has a tensile strength of at least 1 gram per denier.
2. The polysaccharide fiber of claim 1 wherein substantially all of the hexose units are linked via an α(1→3) glycoside linkage.
3. The polysaccharide fiber of claim 1 wherein the polymer is poly(α(1→3)-D-glucose.
4. A process for producing a polysaccharide fiber, comprising the steps of: dissolving a sufficient amount of a polymer comprising hexose units wherein at least 50% of the hexose units are linked via an α(1→3) glycoside linkage in a solvent or in a mixture comprising a solvent to form a liquid crystalline solution having a solids content of at least 20%; and spinning a polysaccharide fiber from said liquid crystalline solution.
5. The process of claim 4 wherein substantially all of the hexose units are linked via an α(1→3) glycoside linkage.
6. The process of claim 5 wherein prior to dissolving, the polymer is derivatized.
7. The process of claim 6 wherein the polymer is acetylated.
8. The process of claim 7 wherein the derivatized polymer is a poly(α(1→3)-D-glucose acetate).
9. The process of claim 7 further comprising contacting the polysaccharide fiber with an excess of a saponification or hydrolysis medium to form a regenerated polysaccharide fiber.
10. The process of claim 4 wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of: an organic acid, an organic halide, a fluorinated alcohol, and mixtures thereof.
11. The process of claim 5 wherein the solids content ranges from 20 to about 35%.
12. A liquid crystalline solution, comprising: a solvent and an amount sufficient to form liquid crystals of a polymer comprising hexose units wherein at least 50% of the hexose units are linked via an α(1→3) glycoside linkage, and wherein the amount of polymer provides a solids content of at least 20%.
13. The liquid crystalline solution of claim 12 wherein substantially all of the hexose units are linked via an α(1→3) glycoside linkage.
14. The liquid crystalline solution of claim 12 wherein the polymer is poly(α(1→3)-D-glucose acetate).
15. The liquid crystalline solution of claim 12 wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of: an organic acid, an organic halide, a fluorinated alcohol, and any combination thereof.