Preparation and Characterization of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Modified Alginate Fiber

Abstract The hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) modified alginate fibers were prepared using wet-spinning method. The structure and properties of the fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), X-ray diffraction(XRD), Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and Thermogravimetric analysis(TGA). The results showed that the hydrogen bonding interaction of alginate fibers was enhanced with the addition of HPMC. The comprehensive mechanical properties of HPMC modified alginate fibers reached the optimun when the relative percentage of HPMC was 6%, while the elongation at break and the tensile strength were 32% and 12% higher than those of pure alginate fibers, respectively. The roughness of tensile section and the fracture work increased, proving that the addition of HPMC improved the brittle fracture of alginate fibers. The thermal stability and water absorption of HPMC modified alginate fibers were better than those of pure alginate fibers.