Effects of inorganic nanoparticle/peg600 composite additives on propertieof chlorinated polyvinyl chloride ultrafiltration membranes

Abstract

To enhance the hydrophilicity and antifouling property of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), ultrafiltration (UF) membrane used in water treatment process, inorganic nanoparticles (nano-Al 2 O 3 , nano-TiO 2 , nano-ZnO, and nano-SiO 2 ), polyethyleneglycol (PEG), and nanoparticle/PEG composite additives were blended with CPVC and investigated for their casting dope viscosity. Effects of these additives on the CPVC UF membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, filtration studies, contact angle, and mechanical property. The results show that the addition of 3 wt.% nanoparticles leads to membranes with lower pure water flux (PWF), lower rejection, and higher flux recovery ratio (FRR). However, with the addition of PEG in CPVC/nanoparticle membranes, PWF and rejection were restored. Meantime, FRR further increased and mechanical properties decreased. CPVC UF membranes incorporated with nano-Al 2 O 3 /PEG possessed comprehensive merits, including higher PWF, lowest contact angle, and best antifouling property compared with other CPVC UF membranes used in this paper.