Showing papers by "Orlando J. Rojas published in 2002"

Effect of Polyelectrolyte Charge Density on the Adsorption and Desorption Behavior on Mica

Abstract: The XPS (ESCA) method was employed to quantitatively determine polyelectrolyte adsorption on the mica basal plane from low ionic strength solutions. Particular emphasis was given to the effect of the polyelectrolyte charge density. By combining the results obtained from XPS and surface force measurements it was possible to analyze the cation exchange at the surface that occurs as a result of polyelectrolyte adsorption. AFM-imaging was used to obtain information on the structure of the adsorbed layer when the polyelectrolyte coverage was low. Further, the desorption of preadsorbed polyelectrolyte layers by addition of inorganic salt and by addition of an anionic surfactant was investigated by XPS and some complementary surface force measurements. The results demonstrate that the lower the polyelectrolyte charge density is, the easier it is to remove the polyelectrolyte from the surface. The surfactant, which by itself does not adsorb to the mica surface, is more efficient in this respect than the inorganic salt. This observation can be rationalized by considering that the surfactant and polyelectrolyte form complexes with each other. Thus, the surfactant brings negative charges into the adsorbed layer that reduces the affinity to the surface. However, high-charge-density polyelectrolytes are removed to a very limited degree even when the surfactant concentration is above the critical micellar concentration, which is explainable by the poor solubility of the polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes formed.

Fenton's reagent-mediated degradation of residual Kraft black liquor.

Abstract: In this work, the effect of Fento’s reagent on the degradation of residual Kraft black liquor was investigated. The effect of Fenton’s reagent on the black liquor degradation was dependent on the concentration of H2O2. At low concentrations (5 and 15 mM) of H2O2, Fenton’s reagent caused the degradation of phenolic groups (6.8 and 44.8%, respectively), the reduction of reaction medium pH (18.2%), and the polymerization of black liquor lignin. At a high concentration (60 mM) of H2O2, Fenton’s reagent induced an extensive degradation of lignin (95–100%) and discoloration of the black liquor. In the presence of traces of iron, the addition of H2O2 alone induced mainly lignin fragmentation. In conclusion, Fenton’s reagent and H2O2 alone can degrade residual Kraft black liquor under acidic conditions at room temperature.

Fluorosurfactant self-assembly at solid/liquid interfaces

Abstract: Fluorosurfactants have some unique properties that are advantageously used in a range of applications. Their solutions are commonly in contact with solid surfaces onto which the molecules adsorb. Despite this, the adsorption behavior of fluorosurfactants at solid/liquid interfaces is not sufficiently understood, and there is a need for more information. In this study we focus on cationic fluorosurfactant adsorption on negatively charged hydrophilic surfaces, especially with respect to the adsorbed layer structure, long-range interactions, and adhesion forces. To this end we combined results obtained from bimorph and interferometric surface force instruments and ellipsometry techniques. The initial adsorption to the oppositely charged surfaces occurs due to the electrostatic attraction between the charged headgroups and the surface. Further adsorption, driven by hydrophobic interactions, occurs readily as the surfactant concentration is increased. Surface force and ellipsometric experiments indicate that t...