Mechanisms for hydrophilic/hydrophobic wetting transitions on cellulose cotton fibers coated using Al2O3 atomic layer deposition

Abstract

This report explores reactions that proceed during the first few cycles of inorganic film atomic layer deposition (ALD) on natural cellulose cotton fibers, and how surface reactions can explain the previously observed transitions in surface wetting upon ALD on cotton fibers. Atomic layer deposition of aluminum oxide and zinc oxide onto natural cotton cellulose produces a transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, then from hydrophobic back to hydrophilic, and we describe here the main factors that bring about. Interestingly, we show that air exposure and related adventitious carbon adsorption also affects the subsequent reactions and wetting properties obtained after subsequent ALD cycles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data indicate Al-(O-C-)3 bonding units form when trimethylaluminum interacts with surface –OH units during the first precursor doses, producing a hydrophobic finish on the cotton that remains for only a few ALD cycles. Also, field-emission scanning electron microscopy results show that some surface roughening may occur in the first few ALD cycles, and the roughening of the hydrophobic-finished surface can also promote an increase in measured hydrophobicity.