Surface Modification of Teflonated Carbon Fabric by Ultrasound-Assisted Radiation Induced Grafting Copolymerization

Abstract

A simple and effective modification method was carried out to improve the surface properties of teflon-impregnated carbon fabric (TICF) by radiation induced grafting (RIG) of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The grafting reaction was carried out using an ultrasound-assisted technique in comparison with a conventional grafting technique. The degree of grafting was investigated at various reaction times for both systems. The grafting efficiency for ultrasonic-aided technique reached 85% compared to 53% in conventional grafting technique. This significant improvement is probably due to the emergence of monomers diffusion on the grafting sites caused by ultrasonically assisted grafting reaction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy have provided evidences for incorporation of poly(GMA) grafts. The grafting under ultrasonic condition was proven to be more efficient and economical as indicated by the increase in DG and reduction in the homopolymer contamination accompanied by homogenous grafting and smoother surfaces in TICF.