Surface Modification of Microporous Polypropylene Membrane by UV-initiated Grafting with Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate

Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) was grafted, through UV-initiated grafting, onto a microporous polypropylene (PP) membrane in order to develop a moisture-sensitive porous structure. Based on the concentration of the PEGDA grafting solution, as well as other variables, the pores of the membrane were filled to varying degrees with crosslinked PEGDA hydrogel, decreasing the pore sizes. This decrease in pore size was highly dependent on the grafting degree (weight add-on of the grafted polymer) that was dependent upon grafting conditions. Grafting with PEGDA resulted in a microporous polypropylene membrane with increased hydrophilicity and moisture-responsive pores. The functional membrane can be used in biological protective materials to limit the transport of liquid-borne pathogens while maintaining moisture transport properties.