Surface Analysis of Wool Fibers and Fiber Coatings by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to detect coatings and chemical changes on the surface of wool fibers. Organic coatings containing fluorine, phosphorus, and silicon were detected on the surface of fibers by measuring the binding energy of core electrons ejected from the surface by x-rays. Changes in the concentration of these coatings on the surface of fibers were estimated from the area under the core electron binding-energy curve. Changes taking place on the surface of wool fibers subjected to oxidation in an electrical discharge were studied. Sulfur atoms on the surface , of the fiber were found to be oxidized to the plus six oxidation state by these treatments. The general application of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for the surface analysis of coatings and fibers is discussed.