X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis on surface modification of Konjac glucomannan membrane by nitrogen plasma treatment

In order to improve the surface property of Konjac glucomannan (KGM) film, the nitrogen plasma modification was carried out using ion beam injection machine. The surface atomic composition was evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis afterward. It was observed that the atomic concentration ratio of wO/wC increased using plasma treatment. The molecular chain degraded and acetyl was partly removed. Hydroxyl was partly replaced by primary amide group. Generation of new functionality groups suggested that plasma treatment might be an effective means to modify the physical property of KGM film.

► The nitrogen plasma modification of Konjac glucomannan was carried out using ion beam injection machine.
► The surface atomic composition was evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis afterward.
► Atomic concentration ratio of wO/wC increased using plasma treatment.
► The molecular chain degraded and acetyl was partly removed. Hydroxyl was partly replaced by primary amide group.