Surface and Electrochemical Properties of Plasma-Treated Polypropylene Track Membrane

Abstract

Surface and electrochemical properties of polypropylene track membrane treated by nitrogen, air and oxygen plasmas have been investigated. The influence of the plasma-forming gas on the morphology and chemical composition of membrane surface is studied. It has been found that the micro-relief of the surface of the membranes formed under the gas-discharge etching, changes. The effect of the non-polymerizing gas plasma besides, leads to formation of oxygen-containing functional groups, basically carbonyl and carboxyl. Due to the formation of polar groups on the surface the wettability of the modified membranes improves. It promotes penetration of water molecules into pores increasing the water permeability. The electrical conductivity of the treated membranes is also enhanced.