Synthesis of permselective membranes by radiation-induced grafting of N-vinylpyrrolidone onto poly(tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene vinylidenefluoride) (TFB) films

The radiation initiated grafting of N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) onto poly (tet rafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-vinylidene fluoride) (TFB) films has b een investigated using a direct radiation technique. Different solvents wer e used for diluting the monomer, and it was found that dioxane is suitable for this grafting system. The influence of other grafting parameters, such as inhibitor, monomer concentration and dose rate, on the rate and yield of grafting was studied. The dependence of the grafting rate on the monomer c oncentration was found to be of the 1.1 order. Some physicochemical propert ies, such as swelling, thermal behaviour, mechanical and electrical conduct ivity, were investigated. A study was made to gain a better understanding o f the observed water uptake using IR spectroscopy and scanning electron mic roscope (SEM) analysis. The possibility of some practical uses, e.g. remova l of heavy metals from solution by grafted membranes was investigated. (C) 1999 Society of Chemical Industry.