Surface characterization of esterified cellulosic fibers by XPS and FTIR spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR ) spectroscopy techniques were used to study the surface chemical compositi ons of cellulosic fibers before and after treatments. The fibers were treat ed with phthalic anhydride and maleated polypropylene for surface modificat ions. Both XPS and FTIR spectroscopy analysis indicated that chemical bonds between hydroxyl groups of cellulosic fibers and anhydride moieties of pht halic anhydride and maleated polypropylene have occurred through esterifica tion reaction. These chemical reagents have been added to the surface of ce llulosic fibers in the form of monoester, i.e., the formation of esterified cellulosic fibers bearing a pendent carboxylic group.