Two-Dimensional Clustering of Nanoparticles on the Surface of Cellulose Fibers

Density of surface charges of cellulose fibers and ξ-potential of TiO 2 nanoparticles in the solution were measure< and controlled by pH. The adsorption and clustering of TiO 2 nanoparticles on the surface of cellulose fiber; were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a scale in different situations of repulsion and attraction between the particles and surface. The experiments show formation of two-dimensional clusters o nanoparticles on the surface. Weight measurement of the adsorbed particles and clusters via the adsorption time results in that there are three stages containing nucleation, two-dimensional growth and saturation fo clustering of nanoparticles on the surface. Smoluchowski theory was used to propose an evolutional mode to explain three stages of clustering.