Modification of polysulfone membranes. 2. Plasma grafting and plasma polymerization of acrylic acid

Abstract

Polysulfone membranes were modified with acrylic acid using plasma initiated graft polymerization (both in solution and vapor phase) and plasma polymerization. Changes on the surface were monitored by contact angle measurements and FTIR‐ATR technique. Pore size and ultrafiltration properties were also evaluated. Grafting in solution gave as a result hydrophobic membranes with pore size diameter signficantly reduced. Such membranes lost their ultrafiltration properties. Grafting in vapor phase seems to give brush‐like structure. Membranes possess hydrophilic surface and unique filtration properties in basic environment. Plasma polymerization of acrylic acid on the PSU surface creates a layer of material highly reminding pure poly(acrylic acid). Performance of such membranes was also pH‐dependent showing better properties in basic solution.

A comprehensive review on surface modified polymer membranes for biofouling mitigation

“…Gancarz et al [92] compared three different approaches to modify PS membranes with AA via plasma-initiated graft polymerization; (i) grafting in solution; the plasma-treated polymer membrane was exposed to air for 5 min and dipped into a deaerated aqueous solution of monomer; (ii) grafting in vapour phase; when Ar plasma treatment on polymers was completed, a monomer vapour was introduced into the chamber; (iii) plasma polymerization of monomer vapours in a plasma reactor. It was shown that modified PS membranes prepared in a vapour phase possessed the highest membrane flux.…”

Study of Polysulfone and Polyacrylic Acid (PSF/PAA) Membranes Morphology by Kinetic Method and Scanning Electronic Microscopy

“…Membranes were prepared by (i) substitution with functionalized groups, (ii) by polymer graft modification or (iii) by surface modification of prefabricated membranes [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

Surface Modification of Polymeric Materials by Plasma Treatment

“…As a result, the past few years have seen many advances in the field of ion beam surface modification of polymeric materials [1][2][3][4] .…”

“…These treatments lead to the formation of radicals 5 that are the promoters of surface cross-linking, functionalization, and degradation 3 . Argon is the most common inert gas used in plasma technology 6 .…”

“…On the other hand, polysulfone membranes themselves are often used as sublayers in composite membranes for reverse osmosis, gas separation and pervaporation 11 . Hydrophilicity of polysulfone has already been improved in several investigations through application of chemical modification methods 12 and plasma modified film 3,12,8 . The aim of this paper is to show how argon and ammonia plasma treatment alters the gas permeability, the and surface structure and the composition of porous polysulfone membranes.…”