Alginate Films and Coatings
topic
Non-fibre applications: alginate films for food packaging (edible, biodegradable, oxygen barrier), textile coatings (flame retardant—releases water when heated, antimicrobial finishes), encapsulation matrix for controlled release (drugs, probiotics, fragrances), and 3D bioprinting matrix for tissue engineering. Films cast from sodium alginate solution and crosslinked with calcium.
Role
Alginate's film-forming and gelling properties extend applications beyond fibres into coatings and functional materials, with food packaging and biomedical markets showing strong growth.