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 compositions of cellulosic fibers before and after treatments. The fibers were treated with phthalic anhydride and maleated polypropylene for surface modifications. Both XPS and FTIR spectroscopy analysis indicated that chemical bonds between hydroxyl groups of cellulosic fibers and anhydride moieties of phthalic anhydride and maleated polypropylene have occurred through esterification reaction. These chemical reagents have been added to the surface of cellulosic fibers in the form of monoester, i.e., the formation of esterified cellulosic fibers bearing a pendent carboxylic group.