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 (I) create assembled thin films having custom-designed and engineered surface c omposition and (2) affect interfiber adhesion and surface charge of individ ual fiber or fiber-mat. Thin films were formed from three materials: an ami noalkyl silane (SIL), a perfluorinated alkylsilane (F3), and alkyl trimetho xysilyl ammonium chloride (CAT), and were characterized by X-ray photoelect ron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Exposed surfaces were then heat-treate d to reduce amine functionality and increase hydroxyl functionality. The th in film deposits were used to spatially control the interfiber adhesion and surface charge of lignocellulosic fiber and fiber-mat. Development of ultr athin film on fiber surface was observed to be chemical in nature, which su ggests that conformational states of the surface functionality controlled t he deposition of molecules. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reser ved.