X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of ultrathin-film-forming chemical-precursor-engineered lignocellulosic fiber and fiber-mat surfaces

The chemistry of monolayer-forming organosilane precursors was used to 1. create assembled thin films having custom-designed and engineered surface composition and 2. affect interfiber adhesion and surface charge of individual fiber or fiber-mat. Thin films were formed from three materials: an aminoalkyl silane SIL., a perfluorinated alkylsilane F3., and alkyl trimethoxysilyl ammonium chloride CAT., and were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS. measurements. Exposed surfaces were then heat-treated to reduce amine functionality and increase hydroxyl functionality. The thin film deposits were used to spatially control the interfiber adhesion and surface charge of lignocellulosic fiber and fiber-mat. Development of ultrathin film on fiber surface was observed to be chemical in nature, which suggests that conformational states of the surface functionality controlled the deposition of molecules. q2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.