Poly(ethylene terephthalate) track membranes were modified by plasma polymerization of dimethylaniline in a DC discharge. The influence of the plasma treatment conditions on the basic characteristics of the membranes (pore size, wettability, surface charge, water permeability) was studied. It is shown that the obtained membranes can reversibly change their permeability properties upon the pH of the solution or when a pressure is applied. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.