Functional Polymeric Membranes Based on Self-Assembling of Synthetic Stimuli-Responsive Polymers
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive functional polymeric membranes with controlled structures and properties have applications for the military as well as civilians in a range of fields. In this project, polymeric films with arrays of nanoscale and thermal-switchable pores based on self-assembling of block copolymer are formed. The block formed the matrix is random copolymer of styrene and 4-vinylbenzocyclobutene (4-VBCB) (4:1 molar ratio). The other block is the random copolymer of bis- and tris(ethylene glycol) methacrylate [(EO)2,3MA] with a tuned lower critical-solution temperature (LCST) at ~38 C (the LCST of 1wt % PEO2MA in water is 24 C, 1wt % PEO3MA in water is 48 C). These P[(St-r-4-VBCB)-b-(EO2MA-r- EO3MA)] copolymers were synthesized by controlled atom transfer radical polymerizations. Polymeric membranes were prepared by casting blends of P[(St-r-4-VBCB)-b-(EO2MA-r- EO3MA] and poly(N-vinylpyrollidone) (wt of PVP: 16-22%). The as-casted films were annealed at 180 C for 5 days and 220 C for two hours under argon. After rinsing the films with THF/methanol (8:2), membranes with arrays of thermal-switchable pores were formed. Preliminary tests of water filtration using these films proved the proposed concept of principle. Much better performance is expected when the block copolymer compositions, the composition of blend, and membrane preparation conditions are optimized.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 16, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA533377
Entities
People
- Jimmy W. Mays
- Kunlun Hong
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory