Preparation and Properties of Bacterial Cellulose/Alginate Blend Bio-Fibers

LiOH/urea/thiourea aqueous systems have been successfully applied to the dissolution of bacterial cellulose (BC) and alginate (AL) to prepare blend fibers. Morphology, compatibility and mechanical properties of the blend fibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tensile tests. The analyses indicated a good miscibility between alginate and bacterial cellulose, because of the strong interaction from the intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The mechanical properties of BC/AL blend fibers were significantly improved by introducing bacterial cellulose.