The effect of hydration on the micromechanics of regenerated cellulose fibres from ionic liquid solutions of varying draw ratios

Regenerated cellulose fibres – Ioncell-F, have been prepared with different draw ratios from cellulose solution in 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene-1-ium acetate ([DBNH]OAc) ionic liquid. Properties of the fibres were investigated in dry and wet conditions. The stiffness of fibres decreased on average 5 times upon the hydration while the tensile strength remained at around 70% of the initial value. The effect of hydration on the deformation mechanisms and mechanical properties was addressed using Raman spectroscopy. Bands located at 1095 cm⁻¹ and 1414 cm⁻¹ corresponding to the glucosidic linkage C–O–C and side groups C–O–H were followed upon straining. Raman band shifts were observed indicating molecular deformations. Moreover, the hydration of fibres altered the shifting rates implying changes in the molecular micromechanics. It is suggested that hydration affects inter-chain hydrogen bonds thus resulting in the slippage of the chains and lower stiffness of fibres. Some discrepancies from the series aggregate model have been observed which is indicative of changes in the deformation mechanisms upon hydration of the fibres.