PERMEATION OF SIMPLE GASES THROUGH PLASMA-POLYMERIZED FILMS FROM FLUORINE-CONTAINING MONOMERS

The permeation of several different permanent gases through plasma pol ymer membranes was studied. The plasma polymers were produced by a mic rowave discharge of various fluorine-containing monomers. Plasma polym ers made from fluorine-rich monomers (F/C approximate to 1) yield film s with the highest selectivities; those made from low fluorine content monomers show very little selectivity among the various gases. CO2 so lubility is very high in the fluorine-rich plasma polymers and gives r ise to large CO2 to CH4 selectivities. (C) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc .