XPS of oxidized wool fibre surfaces

Abstract

AbstractOxygen plasma and ultra violet (UV) ozone treatments have been used to oxidize the surfaces of batches of natural wool fibres and woven cloths. The changes in surface composition and chemistry induced by these treatments have been followed using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).Oxidation of surface proteinaceous di‐sulphide sulphur to sulphonic acid groups (SO3H) containing S(6+) is shown to occur for both treatments. However, oxidation at levels of approximately 90% is apparent for the UV ozone treatment which is significantly higher than levels achieved using oxygen plasmas (30%). Both treatments also lead to oxidation of surface carbon species. The data presented indicate that the UV ozone treatment used is capable of producing surface sulphur and carbon chemistry of the type usually obtained industrially by wet chemical methods which have the disadvantage of producing chlorinated effluent.