Treatment of polyacrylonitrile co-polymer membrane by low temperature radio-frequency nitrogen plasma

Radio frequency plasma discharge of nitrogen gas was employed for modification of the surface of polyacrylonitrile membranes. The enhancement of hydrophilicity of the plasma modified membrane was evaluated by measuring the contact angle. The influence of various plasma operating conditions, namely, power and exposure time on improvement of permeability and hydrophilicity of the membrane was investigated. Hydrophilicity of the plasma-treated membranes was more at higher exposure time and power. Approximately 67% increase in permeability of the modified membrane was obtained, and it was retained up to 2months. Hydrophilicity of the membrane surface was due to attachment of functional groups derived from nitrogen and oxygen.