Effect of VUV-excimer lamp treatment on cellulose fiber

Vacuum ultra-violet-excimer lamp effect on cellulose fiber was studied to examine the effect on surface chemistry of cellulose. We focused on composition of a superficial layer of cellulose, which was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Along with the surface composition, surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The vacuum ultra-violet-excimer exposure in various atmospheres can be advantageously utilized as cellulose pre-treatment with tailored properties. N-2 atmosphere is suitable for cleaning of cellulose surface, NH3 atmosphere for functionalization with amine and amide groups, and air atmosphere for increase or decrease of wettability, depending on exposure time.