Surface Graft Polymerization

Engineering of ceramic-supported polymer membranes with a terminally anchored polymer layer requires careful control of the surface density and molecular weight of the polymeric chains. Therefore, detailed models have been developed to predict the kinetics of graft polymerization. To date, detailed kinetic models for the graft polymerization of vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate have been developed. The kinetic models account for the simultaneous homopolymerization and graft polymerization reactions and consider the unique initiation mechanisms of those systems. Present work is continuing to allow improved predictions of the molecular weight distribution of the terminally anchored polymer chains. Also, various surface modification procedures and reaction conditions are being investigated in order to provide for improved control over the molecular weight distribution of the surface polymer.

References:
Chaimberg, M. and Yoram Cohen, "The Kinetics of Graft Polymerization onto Silica Substrates," AIChE Journal, 40, 294-311 (1994).

Browne, Tom, M. Chaimberg and Yoram Cohen, "Graft Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate onto Silica," Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 44, 671-677 (1992).

Chaimberg, M. and Yoram Cohen, "Free-Radical Graft Polymerization of Vinyl Pyrrolidone onto Silica," Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 30, 2534-2542 (1991).