An XPS study of different polyvinylalcohol films' surface composition

Abstract Differences in surface chemical composition were found when examining poly(vinylacetate‐ co ‐vinylalcohol) (PVOH) film surfaces. The content of the acetate groups increased at the outermost surface when dried in air and similar content, when dried against a glass surface, compared to the bulk content. The enrichment varied from 200–1300%, as compared to the bulk content. The enrichment of the acetate groups was studied with X‐ray photo electron spectrocopy (XPS or ESCA) at different analyzing angles. The bulk content was measured with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometry (NMR). © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.