Surface modification of γ-Al2O3 filters by chemisorption of alkyltrichlorosilane molecules

Surfaces of aluminum oxide (gamma-Al2O3) filters with 0.02 mu m pores were modified for biomembrane-mimetic formation by chemisorption of alkyltrichlorosilane molecules. A water-masking process was employed to protect the pores from involvement In the reaction. Characterization was carried out using contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy, and grazing incidence IR spectroscopy. A protocol was developed from these measurements that resulted In a near monolayer distribution of alkyltrichlorosilane molecules across the filter surface.