Study of plasma-polymerization deposition of C2H2/CO2/H-2 onto ethylene-co-propylene rubber membranes

Ethylene-co-propylene rubber (ERP) membranes were modified by use of acetyl ene/carbon dioxide/hydrogen (C2H2/ CO2/H-2) plasma-polymerization depositio n. The influence of flow I ate of gases, glow discharge power and depositio n time on the amount of deposition was investigated. Infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to study the structure and s urface morphology of the deposited EPR membrane. The water contact angle an d the permeation property were examined as well. The results showed that de position comprises oxygen-containing groups including > C = O and -OH, the hydrophilicity of EPR membrane was therefore improved. It was also found th at the permeation coefficient of plasma modified EPR membrane decreased wit h the increase of the amount of deposition. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.