Abstract: Apparatus for spinning viscose rayon comprising an acid bath having an enclosure arranged for substantially completely trapping and collecting any gases emanating from said bath, a plurality of fiber-forming jets disposed substantially along beneath the surface of said acid bath, means for forcing aqueous xanthated alkali cellulose in liquid form into said jets and through said jets upwardly into said bath, and take-up means located within said enclosure above said bath for taking up the resulting fibers in an upward direction within said enclosure, and thence through an enclosed secondary hot bath for the purpose of stretching the cellulose-xanthate, regenerating it to cellulose, and for trapping and collecting gases and other chemicals.

Abstract: An improved viscose rayon fiber is disclosed having a degree of polymerization of greater than about 500 and an alkali solubility of below about 7.5%, the fiber also exhibits a tenacity of about 5-6 grams per denier and a conditional elongation of between about 10-20%. This fiber exhibits increased toughness and increased wet strength when compared with prior art rayon fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the manufacture of viscose products which includes a motor means having a constant torque in the viscose during ripening wherein the resistance on said motor means changes as the viscose ripens because of the change in viscosity and the temperature is adjusted in response to said change in viscosity to heat or cool the viscose, and thereby control its rate of aging.

Abstract: Improved process and apparatus for making alkali cellulose comprises continuously steeping indefinite length sheets of cellulose in an alkali hydroxide bath, generally 17-25% sodium hydroxide, and then passing the cellulose strip through a chamber where it is subjected to extremely rapid mercerizing conditions, including an RF energy field, to produce depolymerization thereof. Upon emergence from the steep bath, the cellulose passes to an excess solution removing means, such as one or a series of pairs of nip rolls where the excess solution is expressed from the cellulose and the amount of absorbed alkali is controlled. Preferably, the excess solution is recovered and returned to the steeping baths. A second, lower concentration, steep bath may follow the rapid mercerization step.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for treating xanthated alkali cellulose solution so as to form a homogeneous solution by continuously passing a xanthated alkali cellulose solution through a series of attrition and mixing stages and partially diluting the solution in each stage.

Abstract: Improved process and apparatus for making alkali cellulose comprises continuously steeping indefinite length sheets of cellulose in an alkali hydroxide bath, generally 17-25% sodium hydroxide, and then passing the cellulose strip through a chamber where it is subjected to extremely rapid mercerizing conditions, including an RF energy field, to produce depolymerization thereof. Upon emergence from the steep bath, the cellulose passes to an excess solution removing means, such as one or a series of pairs of nip rolls where the excess solution is expressed from the cellulose and the amount of absorbed alkali is controlled. Preferably, the excess solution is recovered and returned to the steeping baths. A second, lower concentration, steep bath may follow the rapid mercerization step.

Abstract: A continuous feed of alkali cellulose (AKC) is partially xanthated, and then dissolved and further xanthated to form a viscose solution, while passing continuously through a series of connected reactors and slurry vessels, wherein slurries of carbon disulfide (CS.sub.2) and alkali metal hydroxide are maintained. The AKC feed to the system may be shredded crumbs from any standard alkali cellulose system, to shredded crumbs from a continuous sheet steeping mercerization system. A portion of the xanthate AKC (cellulose xanthate) may be recycled to the various slurry vessels or zones.

Abstract: A continuous feed of alkali cellulose (AKC) is partially xanthated, and then dissolved and further xanthated to form a viscose solution, while passing continuously through a series of connected reactors and slurry vessels, wherein slurries of carbon disulfide (CS.sub.2) and alkali metal hydroxide are maintained. The AKC feed to the system may be shredded crumbs from any standard alkali cellulose system, or shredded crumbs from a continuous sheet steeping mercerization system. A portion of the xanthate AKC (cellulose xanthate) may be recycled to the various slurry vessels or zones.