Process for making amine oxide solution of cellulose

Abstract

A process is provided for making a solution of cellulose in an amine oxide. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a solid precursor of a solution of cellulose in a tertiary amine oxide in the form of a chip or the like which has been prepared by suspending cellulose in a mixture containing a tertiary amine oxide and water is heated in the barrel of an extruder to dissolve the cellulose, and the resulting solution is extruded to provide an extrudate adapted to be shaped into a cellulosic product. In another aspect, a tertiary amine oxide solvent for cellulose can be added directly to the extruder where mixing and dissolution take place under the application of heat and pressure. It is further advantageous, in either case, where a non-solvent for the cellulose, compatible with the tertiary amine oxide and water, is employed.