Self-assembled composite fabrics of lotus stem fiber with ultra-high liquid absorption properties

Composite medical dressings are made by combining different materials to achieve functions that cannot be realized by a single material, making it an important research direction for medical dressings. This study utilized the unique grooved structure of lotus stem fibers, and the functionality provided by different preparation processes for each layer of material to prepare a medical dressing that can achieve super-strong liquid absorption and storage effects. The prepared materials were characterized and analyzed through liquid absorption performance tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the pore structure of modified chitosan hydrogel, the curled distribution of lotus stem fibers in the material, and the moisture-wicking structure contribute to improving the liquid absorption properties. The composite dressing prepared using the optimal process for each layer of material exhibited moisture absorption and retention rates of 591.34% and 87.99%, respectively, demonstrating excellent liquid absorption properties. The antibacterial properties of the composite dressing were also tested against two common bacteria, and the dressing showed good antibacterial performance. The results indicated that the self-assembled composite medical dressing made from lotus stem fibers meets the preparation requirements, and has good application prospects for use in medical dressings.