Characterization and functional assessment of alginate fibers prepared by metal-calcium ion complex coagulation bath.

• Metal-alginate fibers were prepared by the metal-calcium coagulation bath. • Metal-alginate fibers improved flame retardancy and mechanical properties. • The valence states of metal ions were not related to the properties of fibers. • FT-IR and 13C CP/MAS NMR were employed to analysis the structure of fibers. In order to improve the mechanical properties of alginate fiber and enrich its application properties, the metal-alginate fibers were produced with wet spinning in the coagulation bath of Zn2+, Ba2+, Cu2+, Al3+ ions blended with Ca2+ ions. FT-IR and 13C NMR were used to characterize the binding mode of alginic acid with metal ions and the arrangement of G and M groups in the molecular chain. The flame retardancy, mechanical and antibacterial properties of metal-alginate fiber were improved, while its water absorption was decreased. The results of Thermogravimetric (TG) and Limiting oxygen index (LOI) showed that the flame retardancy of metal-alginate fibers was better than that of calcium alginate fibers. The combination of metal ions and alginic acid has different improvement effect of mechanical strength and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The multi-functional fiber is expected to be used in medical textiles and new textile fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]