Photoresponsive cellulose fibers by surface modification with multifunctional cellulose derivatives
Eucalyptus bleached kraft pulp fibers were modified by adsorption of novel bio-based multifunctionalcellulose derivatives in order to generate light responsive surfaces. The cellulose derivatives used weredecorated with both cationic groups (degree of substitution, DS of 0.34) and photoactive groups (DS of0.11 and 0.37). The adsorption was studied by UV–vis spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance (SPR)and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS). The adsorption isotherms followed theFreundlich model and it turned out that the main driving force for the adsorption was electrostatic inter-action. Moreover, strong indications for hydrophobic interactions between the fibers and the derivativesand the derivatives themselves were found. ToF-SIMS imaging revealed an even distribution of the deriva-tives on the fiber surfaces. The modified fibers underwent fast photocrosslinking under UV-irradiationas demonstrated by light absorbance and fluorescence measurements. Thus, our results proved that themodified fibers exhibited light-responsive properties and can potentially be used for the manufacture ofsmart bio-based materials.
a – Laboratory of Fiber and Cellulose Technology, Åbo Akademi University, Finland
b – Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
c – Center of Excellence for Polysaccharide Research, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany