In situ modification of microporous membranes

Under proper conditions, in situ polymerizations of acrylic acid monomer solutions were performed within the microporous structures of a hydrophobic membrane, Celgard ® 2500. poly(acrylic acid) modified pores have been characterized to be permanently wettable by aqueous solutions, to be capable of gelling water to withstand increased transmembrane pressure gradients, and also to possess a higher transmembrane electrical resistance. In cases of less concentrated acrylic acid monomer solutions, a cross-linker was employed to facilitate polymer permanency within the infrastructure of the hydrophobic membranes. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.