Surface modification of microporous polypropylene membrane by UV-initiated grafting with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate

Abstract

In this study, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) was surface grafted, through UV-initiated grafting, on to a microporous polypropylene (PP) membrane in order to develop and control a moisture-sensitive porous structure. Based on the concentration of the PEGDA grafting solution, as well as other variables, the pores of the membrane were filled to varying degrees with cross-linked PEGDA hydrogel, decreasing the pore sizes. This decrease in pore size was highly dependent on the grafting degree, or weight add-on of the grafted polymer. The grafting degree can be controlled by altering various grafting conditions. The surface grafted PEGDA is expected to swell significantly when exposed to moisture, through change in relative humidity or a liquid-borne pathogen, causing the pore sizes to decrease even further.This provides a microporous polypropylene membrane with improved hydrophilicity and moisture-responsive pores. The membranes will have varying levels of breathability based on the amount of moisture exposure. This will allow for a functional membrane that limits the transport of liquid-borne pathogens while providing transport of moisture vapor away from the body.iii BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Mark Chan was born in sunny California during the Chinese year of the Dragon, 1988. After a long and successful career from pre-school through high school,

Boron Adsorption Using NMDG-Modified Polypropylene Melt-Blown Fibers Induced by Ultraviolet Grafting

“…Haji A et al [ 28 ] used oxygen plasma to modify the hydrophilicity of polypropylene nonwoven fabric followed by grafting β -cyclodextrin. Chan M A et al [ 29 ] grafted polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) onto microporous PP membranes by UV-initiated grafting to form moisture-sensitive porous structures. Sadeghi K et al [ 30 ] used glycidyl methacrylate and 4-benzoyl phenyl methacrylate as raw materials to form a co-polymer coating on the surface of PP using the UV grafting technique.…”

“…While long-wave UV light (300–400 nm) is not absorbed by polymer materials, it can be absorbed by a photo-initiator to start a reaction, allowing for surface modification without damaging the material body. The reaction can be carried out at room temperature, and the post-treatment is simple and free of contamination, making it a suitable approach for surface modification [ 29 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. In this study, PP melt-blown fiber was grafted as intermediate glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto the surface of adsorbent with the UV grafting technique, then NMDG was attached to the surface of PP melt-blown fiber by the amination ring-opening process to create a boron adsorbent.…”

Surface Modification of PP and PBT Nonwoven Membranes for Enhanced Efficiency in Photocatalytic MB Dye Removal and Antibacterial Activity

“…PEG is a water-soluble polymer with uncharged characteristics, strong hydrophilicity, flexible long chains, a large exclusion volume, and unique coordination with water molecules. By grafting PEGDA (poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate) onto fiber surfaces, the hydrophilicity of the membranes can be significantly enhanced [ 32 ].…”