Sustainable preparation of lyocell‐grade bamboo dissolving pulp: A focus on process and material properties

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated the sustainable preparation of Lyocell‐grade dissolving pulp from moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys pubescens ), with a focus on the influence of material properties and processing on dissolution behaviour in the NMMO/H 2 O system. The bamboo pulp exhibited superior chemical indices (e.g., α‐cellulose, hemicellulose, and metal ions) relative to commercial pulps. However, dissolution was hampered by the polylamellated wall structure and the presence of non‐fibrous cells (parenchyma and vessel elements), causing prolonged dissolution time, insoluble residues, and solution inhomogeneity. Removal of these impurities markedly improved dissolution efficiency, solution homogeneity, and steady‐state rheological properties, achieving performance comparable to that of high‐quality commercial pulps. Nevertheless, this screening also reduced melt strength, weakened network uniformity, and shortened the characteristic relaxation time, which may constrain molecular orientation and spinnability. These dynamic rheological trade‐offs are recognized as critical limitations beyond the current scope, which concentrates on material preparation and processing. Overall, impurity elimination is a pivotal step in sustainable bamboo pulp preparation, but its benefits must be balanced against rheological drawbacks, calling for further process optimization to unlock full spinnability potential.