Air-gap spinning

Air-gap (dry-jet wet) spinning is a method used for man-made fiber production. In this method, a polymer solution is extruded through a spinneret and travels through an air gap before entering the coagulation bath. Air gap allows better polymer orientation prior to its solidification compared to wet spinning, resulting in higher fiber strength.

This service is also relevant in: Production and manufacturing, Biobased materials, Chemical products and processes, Formulated products

Service details

Service
Air-gap spinning
Price
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Axel Martinsson

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+46 10 228 41 06 Read more about Axel

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Purpose

We offer trials at bench- or laboratory-scale, enabling the development of air-gap spinning process. The trials can include exploring new polymer solvents, raw materials, and production techniques.

Method

With our expertise and know-how, we conduct research trials, enabling feasibility studies for air-gap spinning process development.

Bench-scale equipment for air-gap spinning:

  • Two lines for air-gap spinning.
  • Flexible equipment with possibilities of inline coagulation, stretching and washing, spin finish application, drying and winding.
  • A library of spinnerets with different number of holes, hole diameters, L/D etc.
  • Dope volumes: from 15 mL to 350 mL.
  • Capacity: 1-50 g dry fiber per day.

Delivery

Our goal is to provide air-gap spinning services that serve the specific needs of each customer. Deliverables may include optimized process parameters summarized in a report or actually produced fibers with specific properties. For further details, please feel free to reach out to us.

More about our services in air-gap spinning

Example of our air-gap spinning equipment

 

Example of air-gap spinning

Our research topics

In air-gap spinning, we focus on different combinations of bio-based polymers, both from primary and secondary sources. Examples of what we work with include:

  • Cellulose -based fibers for application in textiles, both from primary raw materials, such as wood, and secondary sources, such as agricultural waste or recycled textiles.
  • Bio-based precursors for carbon fiber production, spun from lignin and cellulose.

Lyocell

Production of Lyocell involves dissolving cellulose pulp in a solvent, N-Methylmorpholine N-oxide or NMMO. Pulp is first mixed with a water mixture of NMMO, then water is evaporated to achieve the monohydrate form of NMMO, resulting in pulp dissolution. Subsequently, air-gap spinning is conducted to produce Lyocell fibers. With our expertise and state-of-the-art equipment, we offer services for the development and optimization of Lyocell fiber spinning process.

Ionic liquids

Ionic liquids, with their unique solvent properties like low volatility and high thermal stability, offer capabilities for dissolving cellulose and other polymers. Resulting dopes can be used for air-gap spinning of fibers with high mechanical properties. Our ongoing research and development efforts aim to optimize the utilization of ionic liquids for fiber spinning, providing sustainable and high-performance fiber products.

Selected publications

Other relevant services

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Material selection and circular textile design

Circular textile design means designing textile products for long life, repair, reuse and efficient recycling — decisions that are largely determined at the design stage. RISE supports material selection, textile design and circular product strategies, from decision-making data to testing circular pilot models.
Expertise

Solution spinning of man-made fibers

Within our expertise in solution spinning, both wet and air-gap (dry-jet wet) spinning, we develop man-made fibers from polymers that are either non-thermoplastic or sensitive to temperature. This method is particularly useful for the production of fibers from bio-based raw materials.
Biobased materials / Service

Wet spinning

Wet spinning is a manufacturing process used to produce fibers from polymer solutions by extruding them into a coagulation bath, where the polymer solidifies into fibers. This method is called "wet" spinning because the process involves the use of a liquid coagulation bath.
Service

Development of dopes for wet and air-gap spinning

An essential step in solution spinning is the development of spinning dopes (polymer solutions) with optimal properties. Precise control over dope properties is essential for ensuring proper extrusion and coagulation, thereby laying the foundation for a well-functioning solution spinning process for man-made fiber production.
Service

Development of filament and staple fibers

Man-made fibers produced using solution spinning are collected and processed as filament or staple fibers depending on the desired application. RISE has equipment and knowledge to develop these two types of fibers that can be further converted into yarns and threads.
Education offer

Training course on wet spinning (solution spinning) of man-made fibers

This course will provide you with essential knowledge of the fundamentals of wet spinning technology used in man-made fiber production. We cover both traditional wet and air-gap (dry-jet wet) spinning, guiding you through the entire process from polymer dissolution to ready yarn, focusing on key considerations that arise during process upscaling.