Temperature-dependent adsorption of cellulose ethers on silica and hydrophobized silica immersed in aqueous polymer solution

The influence of temperature on adsorption and the adsorbed layer properties of methylcellulose (MC) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) were investigated on silica and hydrophobized silica surfaces immersed in aqueous polymer solution. To achieve a concise understanding a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, ellipsometry, and atomic force microscopy imaging were employed. These techniques provide complimentary information on the structure, mass and viscoelastic properties of the polymer layers. Adsorption was first allowed at 25°C. Next, the temperature was increased step-wise up to 50°C and then decreased again. This procedure highlights the temperature dependence of the adsorbed material, as well as the hysteresis in the adsorption due to temperature cycling. A change in temperature not only affects the adsorbed amount, but also the properties of the layer as illustrated by measurements of its water content, thickness and viscoelasticity. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011.