Abstract: A solution containing cellulose dissolved in a mixture of a tertiary amine N-oxide solvent for cellulose and a compound which increases the rate of dissolution of cellulose in the solvent such as a tertiary amine or other compound which increases the pH of the solvent, a process for making such a solution and a process for making shaped articles therefrom are provided. The solvent dissolves cellulose at a faster rate and at a lower temperature than a solvent consisting of the same tertiary amine N-oxide.

Abstract: A composition and process are provided for making precipitated biconstituent nylon-polyvinyl alcohol shaped articles by dissolving polyvinyl alcohol and a nylon having an amide group index of less than about 145 in a mixture of a tertiary amine oxide solvent and water, with the solution containing from about 3.0 to about 11% water, to form a biconstituent dispersion wherein the nylon and the polyvinyl alcohol comprise distinct separate phases. Shaped articles can be formed from the biconstituent dispersions of the invention.

Abstract: A composition and process are provided for making precipitated biconstituent nylon-cellulose shaped articles by dissolving a nylon having an amide group index of less than about 145, in a mixture of a tertiary amine oxide solvent and water, containing from about 0.5% to about 11% water based on the weight of the solution; separately forming a solution of cellulose in a tertiary amine oxide solvent containing from about 0.8 to about 29% water based on the weight of the solution and then interdispersing the two solutions to form a biconstituent dispersion. Shaped articles can be formed from the biconstituent dispersions of the invention.

Abstract: A composition and process are provided for making precipitated biconstituent cellulose-polyvinyl alcohol shaped articles by dissolving polyvinyl alcohol and cellulose in a tertiary amine oxide solvent containing from about 0.8 to about 29% water to form a biconstituent dispersion wherein the cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol comprise distinct phases, preferably with the two solutions codispersed within each other. Shaped articles can be formed from the biconstituent dispersions of the invention.

Abstract: A composition and process are provided for making certain precipitated nylons by dissolving a nylon having an amide group index of less than 145, in a mixture of a tertiary amine oxide solvent and water. The nylon solutions of the invention contain from about 0.5% to about 11% water. Shaped articles can be formed from the solutions of the invention.

Abstract: A composition and process are provided for making precipitated hydroxyethyl cellulose by dissolving a hydroxyethyl cellulose having a molar substitution of less than 1.0, and a degree of substitution of less than about 0.64 in mixture of water and a tertiary amine oxide solvent, to provide a solution containing from about 10% to about 28% water. Shaped articles can be formed from the solutions of the invention.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a solid precursor of a solution of cellulose in a tertiary amine oxide by suspending cellulose in a mixture containing a tertiary amine oxide and water under conditions where the amine oxide will not dissolve the cellulose until sufficient amine oxide has been absorbed to dissolve the cellulose when it is heated. An organic liquid which is not chemically reactive with the amine oxide or cellulose but is miscible with the tertiary amine oxide and is a non-solvent for the cellulose may be included in the amine oxide-water mixture to assist in the removal of excess water from the precursor or promote better distribution of the tertiary amine oxide through the cellulose.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for making a precipitated cellulose product wherein cellulose is dissolved in a solvent containing both a tertiary amine N-oxide solvent and water and precipitated therefrom with water or other non-solvent for cellulose. The water content of the solution may be adjusted to any level of up to about 29% by weight with the amount of water decreasing substantially linearly as the cellulose is increased. A solution substantially free from undissolved cellulose and solid tertiary amine N-oxide which is adapted to be spun, extruded or molded at a temperature below the melting point of the tertiary amine N-oxide can be prepared with a solvent which contains water within a specified critical range mixed with the tertiary amine N-oxide. Preferably, N,N,N-triethylamine N-oxide or a tertiary amine N-oxide having a cyclic or pseudo-cyclic molecular structure is mixed with water to form the solvent.

Abstract: A process is provided for making precipitated cellulose by dissolving cellulose in a tertiary amine oxide solvent containing from about 1.4 to about 29% of water.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a solid precursor of a solution of cellulose in a tertiary amine oxide by suspending cellulose in a mixture containing a tertiary amine oxide and water under conditions where the amine oxide will dissolve the cellulose and cooling the resulting product to ambient temperature to provide a solid solution of cellulose in amine oxide. The product may be comminuted to form chips which are adapted to be fed to an extruder or other apparatus for shaping it into a cellulosic article. An organic liquid which is miscible with the tertiary amine oxide and is a non-solvent for the cellulose may be included with the amine oxide-water mixture to improve the up-take of the tertiary amine oxide by the cellulose.