XPS analysis of silane coupling agents and silane‐treated E‐glass fibers

Abstract The photelectron spectra of five different liquid silanes were measured. Their C 1s spectra and measured compositions were all consistent with the theoretical formula of these compounds. Subsequently, E‐glass fibers were exposed to dilute aqueous solutions of these silanes, and their adsorption on the fiber surfaces was observed. The high‐resolution C 1s spectra revealed the extent of hydrolysis. The thicknesses of the adsorbed layers were determined and were found to scale with the length of the organic functional group.