X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Studies of Carbon-fiber Surfaces. 21. Comparison of Carbon Fibers Electrochemically Oxidized in Acid using Achromatic and Monochromatic XPS

Abstract

Amoco M40 PAN-based carbon fibers were electrochemically oxidized in a pilot plant system. The changes in the surface of the fibers were monitored using monochromatic x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A parallel experiment using achromatic x-radiation was conducted for comparison. Other graphitic materials were also studied. Decomposition of the fiber due to x-ray exposure could be effectively eliminated by using the monochromator. The use of monochromatic x-radiation produced considerable narrowing in the linewidth of the graphitic peak. This allowed the curve fitting of the component peaks to be performed with significantly greater confidence. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.