Polyvinyl Alcohol-Cellulose Acetate Composite Reverses Osmosis Membranes: I. Synthesis and Characterization

Abstract

To overcome the high salinity water resources problem, reverse osmosis (RO) process is considered one of the most required techniques due to its high portable water quality produced. Optimization of membranes quality and function is still pursued and considered as of an important added value to the RO processes. In the present study, thin film PVA/CA+PEG membranes were prepared and the PVA layer was crosslinked by a varying maleic acid concentration at different reaction periods. The polymer composite is to be employed for the reverse osmosis process of brackish, saline and sea water purification. Optimization of reaction conditions and parameters such as salt rejection and water flux that affect on the membrane efficiency were verified. Structural and functional characterization of the PVA/CA composite membranes through Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling behavior and membrane mechanical properties were monitored.