An experimental study of the relationship between rheological properties and spinnability in the dry spinning of cellulose acetate–acetone solutions

The elastic and viscous properties of five cellulose acetate–acetone solutions, varying from 19.9% to 28.6% solids concentration, are independently determined at 60°C by capillary rheometry techniques. The viscous flow behavior of the solutions is determined over four decades of shear rate. The Bagley analysis is used to determine the entrance pressure drop and the true shear stress at various shear rates. A plot of the entrance pressure drop at the maximum experimental shear rate versus solution concentration undergoes a rapid increase in slope at 24.0% solids concentration, the significance of which is discussed with respect to the development of an elastically deformable chain entanglement network. The die swell behavior of the solutions at 60°C is determined on a commercial-type dry-spinning apparatus. When the die swell ratio is plotted versus volumetric flow rate, all five solutions are found to possess a characteristic curve with a distinct maximum. Photographs illustrating the variation of die swell with volumetric flow rate are shown. Die swell measurements are also shown to correlate well with entrance pressure drop measurements. The degree of spinnability of each cellulose acetate–acetone solution at 60°C is found by determining first godet speed at which one or more threads break abruptly. Spinnability is found to go through a maximum at 24.0% solids concentration. The rheological measurements and spinnability results are discussed through the aid of a single rheological parameter incorporating both elastic and viscous solution responses.