Preparation and properties of carboxymethyl κ-carrageenan/alginate blend fibers

Carboxymethyl κ-carrageenan (CMκC)/alginate (AL) blend fibers were prepared by spinning their mixture solution through a viscose-type spinneret into a coagulating bath containing aqueous CaCl2 and ethanol. The structure and properties of blend fibers were studied with the aid of infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The analyses indicated a good miscibility between AL and CMκC because of the strong interaction of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The mechanical properties and water-retention properties were also measured. The best values of tensile strength and breaking elongation were obtained when CMκC content was 30 wt.%. The water-retention properties and thermostability improved by blending method. Antibacterial fibers, obtained by the treatment of the fibers with an aqueous solution of silver nitrate, exhibited good antibacterial activity to Staphylococcus aureus.