Morphology of PDMS−PMAA IPN Membranes

• Published in: Macromolecules Vol. 36; no. 6; pp. 1962 - 1966
• Main Authors: Turner, J. S, Cheng, Y.-L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 25-03-2003
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Exchange resins and membranes; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Immersion method; Heterogeneous polymerization; Dimethylsiloxane polymer; Free radical polymerization; Methacrylic acid polymer; Domain structure; Morphology; Membrane; Methacrylic acid; Experimental study; Interpenetrating polymer network
• ISSN: 0024-9297; 1520-5835
• DOI: 10.1021/ma012253y

Direct visualization of IPN morphology formed during polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS) of PDMS−PMAA IPNs is reported. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and hydrophilic fluorescent probes of varying molecular weights were used to image hydrophilic domains in PDMS−PMAA IPNs. The images reveal complex, superimposed structures of hydrophilic domains of varying sizes and spatial distributions. This morphology is attributed to the phase-separated structures formed and partially arrested at continuously varying quench depths during the PIPS process. These observations contribute to the understanding of morphology development in IPNs.