Structure and properties of konjac glucomannan/galactoglucomannan nanofiber membrane

Konjac glucomannan (KGM)/galactoglucomannan (GGM) nanofiber membranes were obtained through electrospinning technology. Rheological properties of KGM/GGM solutions were observed by using a rotary rheometer. The apparent morphological, characteristic group and thermal stability of nanofiber membranes were studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectoscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) respectively. The physical and mechanical properties were also evaluated. Results revealed that the addition of GGM did not significantly affect the rheological properties of electrospinning solution. Increase in the amount of GGM in the nanofiber membrane resulted in gradual smoothening, uniformity and decrease in the number of nodes. KGM interacts with GGM through hydrogen-bond. Addition of GGM markedly enhanced the thermal stability, physical and mechanical properties of the nanofiber membrane. The study showed that the KGM/GGM nanofiber membrane have good potential for use in developing membrane based materials.