The hydrolysis of three alkoxysilane coupling agents, gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS), gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), and gamma-diethylenetriaminopropyltrimethoxysilane (TAS), was carried out in an ethanol/water (80/20) solution and followed by H-1, C-13, and Si-29 NMR spectroscopy, which showed that its rate increased in the order MPS < APS < TAS. The formation of the silanol groups was followed by their self-condensation to generate oligomeric structure. APS and NIPS only gave soluble products, whereas colloidal particles precipitated in the medium when TAS was hydrolyzed. Pristine and hydrolyzed MPS were then adsorbed onto a cellulose substrate and thereafter a thermal treatment at 110-120 degrees C under reduced pressure was applied to the modified fibers to create permanent bonding of the coupling agent at their surface. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.