Model Surfaces for Paper Fibers Prepared from Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Polycations

Abstract

For tailored functionalization of cellulose based papers, the interaction between paper fibers and functional additives must be understood. Planar cellulose surfaces represent a suitable model system for studying the binding of additives. In this work, polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) are prepared by alternating dip-coating of the negatively charged cellulose derivate carboxymethyl cellulose and a polycation, either polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC) or chitosan (CHI). The parameters varied during PEM formation are the concentrations (0.1–5 g/L) and pH (pH = 2–6) of the dipping solutions. Both PEM systems grow exponentially, revealing a high mobility of the polyelectrolytes (PEs). The pH-tunable charge density leads to PEMs with different surface topographies. Quartz crystal microbalance experiments with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) reveal the pronounced viscoelastic properties of the PEMs. Ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements show that the strong and highly charged polycation PDADMAC leads to the formation of smooth PEMs. The weak polycation CHI forms cellulose model surfaces with higher film thicknesses and a tunable roughness. Both PEM systems exhibit a high water uptake when exposed to a humid environment, with the PDADMAC/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) PEMs resulting in a water uptake up to 60% and CHI/CMC up to 20%. The resulting PEMs are water-stable, but water swellable model surfaces with a controllable roughness and topography.

Conceptualizing flexible papers using cellulose model surfaces and polymer particles

“…Horvarth et al showed that cationic polyelectrolytes are able to diffuse into the cellulose fiber wall, 52 resembling the mobility of polyelectrolyte chains in polyelectrolyte multilayers. 53,54 Backes et al showed a interdigitation of the dangling ends of a negatively charged P(NIPAM-co-AAc) MG and polymer film from poly(allylamine hydrochloride). 43 The different impact of annealing on the adhesion of CSPs and MGs can therefore be explained by these distinct mechanisms at play.…”