Application of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy to the Study of Fiberglass Surfaces

The application of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ESCA) to the study of fiberglass surfaces is reported. Qualitatively, ESCA has been used to show the change in concentration of elements at the surface when fiberglass is subjected to heat and/or acid treatment. Diffusion of calcium to the surface as a function of temperature has been studied. Similarly, leaching of aluminum by acid as a function of pH is reported. The ability of ESCA to detect organic functional groups attached to fiberglass surfaces has been demonstrated for nitrogen and sulfur. Fiberglass coated with organic groups having chelating properties has been shown to extract metals from solution. It has also been demonstrated that ESCA can follow reactions of organic functional groups on glass surfaces, namely sulfonation of an amine.