Preparation of composite reverse osmosis membranes by plasma polymerization of organic compounds. IV. Influence of plasma–polymer (substrate) interaction

Abstract

Preparation of composite membranes by plasma polymerization is affected not only by the type of monomer and the mode of discharge but also by the interaction of plasma–polymer substrate. Consequently, the reverse osmosis characteristics of composite membranes are dependent on the combination of substrate and monomer(s). The interactions of plasma and polymer are investigated using porous polysulfone film and cellulose nitrate–cellulose acetate (CNCA) porous film as the substrates, and acetylene/H2O/N2 and acetylene/H2O/CO as the monomer systems. The effects of plasma pretreatment of the substrates on the chlorine resistance of the membranes are also investigated.