The effect of oxidizing agents/systems on the properties of track-etched PET membranes

This is a report on the functionalization of track-etched membrane based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET TeMs) by various advanced oxidizing systems/agents (H2O2/vis, H2O2/UV, Fenton/vis, Fenton/UV and O3 treatment) to compare with KMnO4/H2SO4, for the purpose of increasing hydrophilicity and functionality thus expanding potential applications. The surface of functionalized PET TeMs was characterized by using colorimetric assay, contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ATR-FTIR-spectroscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Optimal conditions related to concentration of oxidizing agents and duration of treatment for each oxidation system was determined. Comparative analysis of oxidation systems was made and H2O2/UV and O3 treatment were determined to provide the highest level of hydrophilicity and carboxylic acid functionality on the membranes under relatively milder conditions.