Nanolayer Self-assembly on Ionic Fibers

Abstract

The application of electrostatic self-assembly techniques in textiles has been explored. The layer-by-layer and atomic layer deposition have been used as new methods of textile modification. The use of layer-by-layer and atomic layer deposition offer the possibility of achieving fully conformal, uniform functionalization of textile fibers of any shape. The optimum processing conditions that allow the selective and controlled deposition of organic, inorganic, and metallic substances on textile substrates via self-assembled nanolayers and atomic layer deposition techniques have also been investigated. However, non-uniform surface and irregular shapes in yarns and fibers, especially the natural fibers increase the difficulties of these applications. Recent studies stated the feasibility of using electrostatic self-assembly on cationic cotton substrates. The goal of this research was to determine the charge density on ionic cotton fibers, which directly affect the electrostatic self-assembly. The ionic cotton fabric was produced after treatment of the substrate with a salt of chloroacetic acid or 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride. This research also provides a better understanding of layer-by-layer adsorption behaviors of positively or negatively charged polymer solutions on ionic cellulose films as measured by quartz microgravimetry. At neutral solution pH the adsorption of polyelectrolytes on ultrathin cellulose films was found to depend mainly on the charge density of the adsorbing macromolecule and that of the substrates. At the same adsorption condition, the thickness and surface excess (surface concentration) of the adsorbed species are controlled by the nature of the substrate and polyelectrolyte solution.