Functionalization of LDPE and PP to Produce Grafted Membranes Used in Dialysis Processes. Part II

Abstract

Gamma radiation-induced grafting of N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) monomers onto low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) films was studied. The effect of monomer concentration, irradiation dose, and inhibitor concentration on the grafting percent was determined. The swelling behavior of the grafted membranes has been investigated, and it was shown that the modification of LDPE and PP films with hydrophilic monomers results in the growth of the water uptake percent. The permeability of high molecular weight materials such as creatinine and urea, through NVP-grafted membranes increased with increase in grafting percent. Thermal properties of the grafted membranes were studied by using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology of grafted membranes was investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Structures of the grafted membranes were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis as FTIR, and their mechanical properties were also investigated.