The influence of fiber formation conditions on the structure and properties of nanocomposite alginate fibers containing tricalcium phosphate or montmorillonite

Abstract The authors devised conditions for the formation of nanocomposite calcium alginate fibers containing tricalcium phosphate (TCP) or montmorillonite (MMT). The rheological, sorptive, and strength properties of these fibers, as well as their porous and supramolecular structures were subjected to analysis. It has been concluded that the presence of nanoadditives in the material of alginate fibers decreases their susceptibility to distortion in the drawing stage. The obtained fibers are characterized by an even distribution of the nanoadditive on the fiber surface. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1321–1331, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers