Fabrication of sodium alginate (SA) nanofibers from its aqueous solutions by electrospinning is still a challenge, because of its rigid chain conformation and lack of chain entanglements. In this study, the electrospinnability was improved by introducing Ca(2+) cations to SA solutions. Rheological behavior of the electrospinning solutions was investigated. The physical properties of the solutions were also studied by a surface tension meter and a conductivity meter. The results showed that Ca(2+) cations enhanced the intermolecular interactions of SA solutions, and improved the electrospinnability of SA solutions. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.