Xylans were carboxymethylated in order to increase their anionic nature and thus tune their surface free energy (SFE) and hydrophilicity, which are of crucial importance in the majority of special applications. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and polyelectrolyte titration results confirmed the successful carboxymethylation of the xylan samples. The main aim of this study was to investigate the influences of carboxymethylation of glucuronoxylan and arabinoxylans on the surface physical and chemical properties of the films made from them. Films were prepared by the casting method, and their surface morphologies were analyzed by atomic force microscopy. The surface chemical compositions of the films were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and their influences on SFE, i.e., Lifshitz-van der Waals and electron donor and acceptor contributions, were determined using goniometry. The introduction of 2 mmol/g of carboxyl groups into the glucuronoxylan or arabinoxylan molecular structures had a significant influence on the chemical and physical surface properties of the prepared films. Higher amounts of the carboxyl group present on the films' surfaces and higher surface roughness contributed to a significant increase (by 270%) in the electron donor component of SFE and to 40% improvements in the hydrophilicities of the films' surfaces. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2706-2713

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The main aim of this research was development of thin functional xylan layers on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric surfaces. Xylans, derived from hard wood and oat spelt, were modified chemically in order to introduce cationic functional groups. Cationization of xylans was proved by elemental analysis, total bound nitrogen determination, and Raman techniques, as well as by polyelectrolyte titrations. The antimicrobial activity of xylans was investigated by the determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration against bacteria S. aureus and E. coli, and fungi C. albicans. Xylan solutions were then applied onto PET fabric using the spray coating technique. Charging behavior of the treated PET fabric samples was evaluated by potentiometric titration supported by X-ray electron spectroscopy. Hydrophilicity was examined by the water contact angle determination. The morphology of coated fabrics was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results of microbial testing showed that PET fabrics functionalized by cationic xylans act antimicrobially against S. aureus and E. coli. The presented work suggests that cationized xylans, originally derived from hard wood and/or oat spelt, could be applied successfully as a coating material for PET fabrics in order to introduce hydrophilicity and antimicrobial properties.