Study on surface modification by surface‐modifying macromolecules and its applications in membrane‐separation processes

Abstract

AbstractSurface‐modifying macromolecules (SMMs) are oligomeric fluoropolymers synthesized by polyurethane chemistry and tailored with fluorinated end groups. In the literature, several formulations of SMMs have been developed and blended with base polymers of polyurethanes and polyethersulfone for surface modification. It has been shown that SMMs migrate to the surface and the fluorine end groups orient themselves toward the air–polymer interface, reducing the surface energy of the hydrophilic base polymer to values close to that of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). Because only a small amount of SMMs was needed, the bulk properties of the base polymer remained relatively unchanged. The properties of the SMM polymers were characterized, including molecular weights, elemental analysis, and thermal transitions. The morphology and surface properties of the SMM‐modified and unmodified membranes were assessed. The use of SMMs has been tested for use in ultrafiltration, pervaporation, and biomedical applications. SMM‐modified membranes offer advantages over unmodified membranes and the use of SMMs will continue to be the focus of future studies. This study reviews the recent development of surface‐modifying macromolecules (SMMs) and SMM‐blended membranes. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2902–2916, 2003