Structure and properties of layer-by-layer self-assembled chitosan/lignosulfonate multilayer film

The formation of polycation chitosan, CS, with polyanion lignosulfonate, LGS, multilayer films based on layer-by-layer self-assembly method was investigated by several techniques. UV absorption spectra showed that the growth of both CS and LGS layers followed the exponential model. The film surface wettability was found alternated depending on the surface properties of these two materials because the contact angle is smaller for the CS layer and greater for the LGS layer while the surface free energy is known greater for the former and smaller for the latter. AFM images indicated that the surface roughness of these layers was in nanosize and was increased with the layer number due to the aggregation. The field emission scanning electron microscope photograph showed that the average thickness of each layer was about 5–6 nm.

► The chitosan/lignosulfonate (CS/LGS) multilayer films were self-assembled following the exponential model.
► The film surface wettability was alternated depending on the surface properties of CS and LGS.
► The surface roughness of these layers was in nanosize and increased with the layer number due to the aggregation.