Polymeric membranes and other polymer articles having desired surface characteristics and method for their preparation
US6413621B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31935
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Polymeric articles, including membranes, with surfaces having a desired chemical functionality are created by surface segregation of a branched component blended with a compatible, matrix base component, the branched component having the desired chemical functionality. In particular, hydrophilic surfaces are created via surface segregation of a branched hydrophilic copolymer blended into a polymer matrix. The use of branched molecular architecture provides a thermodynamic mechanism for the segregation of the hydrophilic species to the surface and a means for achieving a high surface coverage of the hydrophilic moiety. The branched hydrophilic copolymer can be defined by a random copolymer including two or more methacrylate or acrylate monomers, at least one of which features a short hydrophilic side chain, such as a polyethylene glycol side chain. The branched hydrophilic copolymer is compatible, and well-entangled, with the acrylate polymer matrix.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.