Abstract: Transparent regenerated cellulose membrane was successfully prepared by using waste cotton fabrics and 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([AMIM]Cl) ionic liquid as raw material and solvent, respectively. The effects of different coagulating baths (water and ethanol) on the structure and properties of regenerated cellulose membranes were investigated in detail. Results showed that the regenerated cellulose has a crystal form transformation, while the undissolved part still retains the original crystal form. And the type of coagulating baths significantly affects the structure and performance of the regenerated cellulose membrane. The tensile strength of the membrane prepared by ethanol as the coagulation bath is as high as 62 MPa, which is expected to be used in the packaging field, providing a certain reference for the low-cost and high-value utilization of waste cotton fabrics.

Key words: cellulose membrane; waste cotton fabrics; coagulation bath; high-valued utilization