Characterization of plasma‐induced graft polymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate onto silicone rubber

Abstract

Abstract Graft copolymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as attempted onto the surface of silicone rubber membrane, which was pretreated by Ar‐plasma, then exposed in oxygen to introduce a peroxide group. The effect of the amount of HEMA grafted on Arplasma‐treated and graft copolymerization was examined for various parameters of power, pressure, time, reaction time, and concentration of HEMA aqueous solution. The surfaces were characterized by ATR–FTIR, ESCA, contact angle, and SEM. PHEMA was indicated by ATR–FTIR and ESCA analysis to be present successfully onto the grafted surface of silicone rubber membrane. The stable wettability, as demonstrated once the PHEMA grafted films, indicated contact with a hydrated environment by the study of contact angle. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.