Swift heavy ion induced graft polymerization in track etched membranes’ submicroscopic pores

Abstract

Cl or Pb irradiated foils of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) were chemically etched to produce nuclear track membranes (NTM) with submicroscopic pores. The NTM were grafted with styrene using the remaining active sites produced by the heavy ion beams. Experimental curves of grafting yield were measured by weight difference as a function of ion fluence and etching time. As the etching time was increased from 0 to 30min a decrease of the grafting yield was observed. Grafted foils were also analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Both measurements suggest that the styrene was grafted on the pore wall of the NTM using the active sites left by the ion beam.