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Reproducible XPS on biopolymers: cellulose studies
Author(s) -
Johansson LeenaSisko,
Campbell J. M.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
surface and interface analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1096-9918
pISSN - 0142-2421
DOI - 10.1002/sia.1827
Subject(s) - x ray photoelectron spectroscopy , cellulose , biopolymer , polymer , natural polymers , materials science , nanotechnology , carbon fibers , cellulose fiber , chemical engineering , polymer science , chemistry , composite material , composite number , engineering
The development of ‘user‐friendly’ surface analytical instrumentation has expanded the application of x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) towards softer and more complex composite materials. However, the knowledge of fundamental phenomena in practical, interdisciplinary applications is dearly needed. In the case of polymers and polymer‐based or ‐reinforced composites, the analytical problems are not only related to detection limits and resolution; indeed, the effects of contamination and experimental artefacts on interpretation of the carbon signal are often the more crucial challenge. As a biopolymer, natural cellulose fibres provide an interesting model system for polymer studies. Numerous published XPS studies on lignocelluloses highlight both the possibilities and the problems of the surface analytical probes in analysis of air‐exposed organic materials. We report XPS experiments of cellulosic natural fibre materials, discussing the effects of sample storage, UHV exposure, radiation doses, charging and data analysis. Based on a large body of experimental data we also propose that clean paper specimens could be used as an in‐situ reference in polymer studies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.