Bi-layer formation of imidazole-modified ethyl(hydroxyethyl)cellulose at a hydrophobic surface as monitored by QCM-D

The adsorption behaviour of ethyl(hydroxyethyl)cellulose chemically modified with imidazole (Im-EHEC) at hydrophobic surfaces has been studied with QCM-D. The very slow adsorption isotherm was due to a continuous polymer film reconfiguration and exchange of different sized polymers. The thickness of the film was about 30 nm. The polymers adsorbed Cu2+ ions into the film from a CuCl2 solution and a bi-layer was formed when Im-EHEC was added a second time. The second polymer film was only 7 nm thick but highly viscoelastic. After rinsing with water the metal ions was flushed away and the second Im-EHEC layer was released. The imidazole modification of EHEC enables interaction with transition metal ions and opens up for new applications for cellulose based materials.

Graphical abstractA new way to create polymer bi-layers. The polymers are chemically bound by the complex formation of imidazole and copper ions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide