XPS has made a valuable contribution towards the study of surface properties of fibres.

• Paper is made by extracting wood fibres from wood. Depending on the paper grade, the strength of the paper made from mechanical pulp is usually improved by adding reinforcement (kraft) pulp to the fibre furnish. Improved surface smoothness, opacity, bonding and strength of mechanical pulps reduce the need for chemical pulp.


• Helsinki University of Technology used XPS, ToF-SIMS and AFM techniques to better understand the different pulps and their surface properties, as well as the behaviour of absorbed material on the fibre surface.


• The technical capabilities of these instruments have enabled researchers to obtain a comprehensive picture of the chemistry and morphology of pulp fibre surfaces, setting the foundation for further scientific advancements with applications in the papermaking industry.

Techniques: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-light secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS), atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Source: Koljonen K.; (2004); "Effect of Surface Properties of Fibres on some Paper Properties of Mechanical and Chemical Pulp"; Helsinki University of Technology