Hollow Filaments from Coaxial Dry–Jet Wet Spinning of a Cellulose Solution in an Ionic Liquid: Wet-Strength and Water Interactions

Abstract

Hollow tubing and tubular filaments are highly relevant to membrane technologies, vascular tissue engineering, and others. In this context, we introduce hollow filaments (HF) produced through coaxial dry−jet wet spinning of cellulose dissolved in an ionic liquid ([emim][OAc]). The HF, developed upon regeneration in water (23 °C), displays superior mechanical performance (168 MPa stiffness and 60% stretchability) compared to biobased counterparts, such as those based on collagen. The results are rationalized by the effects of crystallinity, polymer orientation, and other factors associated with rheology, thermal stability, and dynamic vapor sorption. The tensile strength and strain of the HF (dry and wet) are enhanced by drying and wetting cycles (water vapor sorption and desorption experiments). Overall, we unveil the role of water molecules in the wet performance of HF produced by cellulose regeneration from [emim][OAc], which offers a basis for selecting suitable applications.