BigPatents India

A method for forming a polymeric coating on a substrate surface, which method comprises the steps of activating at least one polymerisable organic acid or acid anhydride monomer comprising one or more acid and/or acid anhydride groups and at least one polymerisable group and/or at least one polymerisable organic base monomer comprising one or more basic groups and at least one polymerisable group by subjecting said monomers to a soft ionisation plasma process such as by low pressure pulsed plasma or atmospheric pressure glow discharge treatments; and depositing the activated monomers resulting from step (I) onto the substrate surface thereby forming a polymeric coating on said substrate surface whilst maintaining the acidic and/or basic functionality of the monomers. Preferred polymerisable groups are alkenyl groups. Polymeric salt coatings resulting from the above method have excellent barrier properties and coatings in accordance with the present invention will enhance the hydrophilic, biocompatible, anti-fouling and controlled surface pH applications of substrates such as filtration and separations media. (FIG. 1)