Hydrophilicity effect of rice husk silica on mixed matrix PSF membrane properties

Abstract

The effects of two types of additives rice husk silica (RHS) towards membrane hydrophilicity and flux performance were investigated. Different percentages or concentrations of rice husk silica (RHS) additive were used to form a mixed matrix membrane. This flat sheet mixed matrix membrane was prepared via phase inversion technique. The fabricated membrane was characterized by contact angle and surface roughness measurements, whereas the flux permeation was measured using pure water flux. The result demonstrated that the addition both types of rice husk silica have increased the hydrophilicity properties of the mixed matrix membrane. Stronger effect of hydrophilicity is shown upon addition of amorphous rice husk particle where both contact angle and surface roughness were reduced and increased, respectively. © 2014 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved.