(510w) Hydrophilic Modification of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of 3-Trimethoxysilylpropyl Methacrylate

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is used generally in applications requiring the highest purity, strength, and resistance to solvents, acids, bases. It is easy to process due to its relatively low melting point, low density and low cost compared to the other fluoropolymers. Among the various applications of PVDF, membrane as a separation media takes an overwhelming proportion. High hydrophobicity, however, limits its application, especially when separation of biomaterials occurred. Therefore, it is necessary and important for hydrophilic modification of PVDF. In this study, PVDF was modified by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) directly from the vinyl fluoride group of PVDF backbone. 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate was initiated by copper (I) chloride and 2,2'-bipyridine in PVDF/solvent solution. The modified polymer was characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), NMR, FTIR, and TG/DSC. This hydrophilic modified PVDF is promising for preparation of membrane materials for special applications.