Functionalized Porous Polymer Sheets as Models of Thermoresponsive Membranes for Water Treatment.

Abstract : A novel approach to thermoresponsive polymeric membranes based on molded monolithic sheets of macroporous polymers has been demonstrated. The macroporous sheet prepared from glycidyl methacrylate ethylene dimethacrylate is functionalized either by free-radical grafting of N-isopropylacrylamide, or, better, by copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide onto the vinylated surface of the pores of the polymer sheet. The macroporous polymers modified with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) were shown to be thermoresponsive. Changes in the temperature of a flow system incorporating the modified macroporous material were accompanied by significant changes in the backpressure required to effect flow. This study confirms the feasibility of thermoresponsive membranes for water purification.