Influence of Graft Copolymerization Initiators on the Morphology and Wettability of VA/CG-g-EGD Membranes

Authors : Gülcan Geyik, Fatma Kurşun Baysak

Pages : 304-319

Doi:10.34186/klujes.1808054

View : 35 | Download : 57

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The development of hybrid polymeric membranes with tunable surface properties is crucial for advanced separation and controlled release technologies. In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol)/(κ-carrageenan-graft-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (VA/CG-g-EGD) membranes were prepared by blending poly(vinyl alcohol) (VA) with κ-carrageenan-graft-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (CG-g-EGD) copolymers synthesized using different initiators: cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN), ammonium persulfate (APS), and benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The aim was to examine how the initiator type influences grafting efficiency and, consequently, the morphology and surface characteristics of the membranes. AFM and contact angle analyses revealed that the initiator type significantly affected surface roughness and wettability. Among the initiators, BPO produced the most uniform surface, whereas CAN yielded a rougher morphology with lower grafting efficiency. Compared to pristine VA membranes, the VA/CG-g-EGD membranes exhibited smoother, more stable surfaces with a tunable hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance, confirming the successful grafting. These findings demonstrate that controlling grafting parameters effectively enhances membrane surface performance. The improved surface integrity and morphological stability make VA/CG-g-EGD membranes promising candidates for pervaporation-based separations and drug-delivery applications requiring selective permeability and mechanical durability.
Keywords : Atomik kuvvet mikroskobu, temas açısı, poli(vinil alkol), başlatıcı

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