Cellulose has the potential for forming fibers and films that are much stronger than those which are currently known. It is proposed to accomplish this via wet spinning of liquid crystalline solutions that form in an ammonia/ammonium thiocyanate solvent system. The tendency for the chiral cellulose molecules to form cholesteric solutions can be compensated and nematic solutions formed in their stead by adjusting the solvent ratio and the polymer concentration. Research thus far indicates that a nematic system is the preferred one from which high strength, high modulus fibers will be formed. In developing a process for producing such fibers, careful attention must be given to both important spinning parameters and to post extrusion conditions. Cellulose is a naturally occurring material which is available to industry as wood pulp from trees or as fibers from cotton plants. Cellulose in either form does not melt nor does it dissolve readily in any solvent. In order to make a useful product, such as a fiber or a film from cellulose, one must be able to shape it by processing a melt or a solution. Further, it has been discovered that if very concentrated solutions are produced in a solvent, a very interesting form of matter called liquid crystals may develop. If fibers or films are prepared from these cellulose liquid crystals, new fibers, fabrics, and films may be formed which are exceptionally strong and resistant. It is possible that the new lightweight, strong, stiff materials or composites could replace steel and other conventional engineering materials in many uses.
