Characterization of the surface properties of xylan by FT-Raman spectroscopy and wicking technique

Using FT-Raman spectroscopy, column wicking technique and the equations of Washburn as well as van Oss et al., the surface properties of xylan, the main component in hemicelluloses, has been characterized and estimated. Raman spectrum showed that xylan has been structured by acetyl group and methyl-bonded glucurono group. Obtained results show that the surface free energy of xylan is higher in comparison with literature reported values for cellulose because the former has a larger Lifshitz-van der Waals component than the latter. However, xylan has been found to have very smaller polarity and orientation data than that of cellulose. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.