Preparation and properties of chitosan/konjac glucomannan blend fibers

Chitosan and konjac glucomannan (KGM) blend fibers were prepared by spinning their solution through a viscose-type spinneret into a coagulating bath containing aqueous sodium hydroxide and ethanol. The structure and properties of the blend fibers were studied with the aids of infrared spectra (IR), scanning electron micrography (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The structure analysis indicated that there were strong interaction and good miscibility between the chitosan and KGM molecule which resulted from intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Mechanical properties and water-retention properties were measured. Through controlling blend conditions, blend fibers can obtain better mechanical properties than the pure chitosan fiber. The water-retention values (WRV) of blend fibers increase as the amount of KGM is raised. The fibers treated with alcoholic solution of acetic acid have good antibacterial activity to Staphylococcus aureus.