Influences of diffusion coefficient of 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride on structure and properties of regenerated cellulose fiber obtained via dry‐jet‐wet spinning

ABSTRACT The diffusion dynamics of the cellulose/1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl) solution during coagulation of regenerated cellulose fiber in a nonsolvent bath was investigated in detail. According to Fick's second law of diffusion, the experimental data were fitted to obtain the diffusion coefficients of [Amim]Cl (D). The cellulose concentration, bath type, and temperature were varied to analyze their influence on the diffusion coefficient of [Amim]Cl. Furthermore, the dependence of the structure and properties of the regenerated fiber obtained via dry‐jet‐wet spinning on the diffusion coefficients were analyzed. Many defects were formed in the surface and cross sections of the regenerated fibers prepared with high diffusion coefficients. The crystallization and mechanical properties deteriorated with the increase in the diffusion rate of [Amim]Cl. Therefore, the diffusion coefficients of [Amim]Cl should be kept relatively low to enable the preparation of uniform‐structured regenerated cellulose fibers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136 , 47609.