Fabrication and physicochemical evaluation of sodium alginate/carboxymethylcellulose membranes

Abstract The current study aims to fabricate sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) membranes with different SA/CMC ratios (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40) via the solvent‐casting approach under ambient conditions. The physicochemical properties of SA/CMC membranes were systematically characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurements, and mechanical analysis. Contact angle measurements were used to assess the hydrophilicity of the membranes’ topmost layer. The surface morphology of membranes increased with increasing CMC concentration up to 30%, after which surface non‐homogeneity became apparent. AFM analysis revealed a reduction in surface roughness of membranes with increasing CMC content. The membranes exhibited good mechanical strength, which varied with CMC content. Thus, the fabricated SA/CMC membranes offer considerable promise for medicinal uses in the healthcare sector. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.