The Effect of HPMC and CNC on the Structure and Properties of Alginate Fibers

Bio-composite alginate fibers with binary and ternary blends were prepared by using cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as composite fillers through wet-spinning method. Structural, thermal, mechanical properties and surface morphology of fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Mechanical strength testing, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The thermal stability and mechanical performance of SA/HPMC and SA/HPMC/CNC composite fibers improved as the increasing of crystallinity and intermolecular H-bonding interaction of the fibers. HPMC is helpful to improve the extensibility and stiffness of alginate fibers, and CNC can further enhance the stiffness of SA/HPMC composite fibers. The tensile strength, elongation at break, the initial modulus and work at break of SA/HPMC/CNC composite fibers were superior to those of alginate fibers. Roughness of surface and tensile section of SA/HPMC and SA/HPMC/CNC composite fibers got increased. Water absorbency and salt resistance were significantly improved.