The Effect of highly dispersed oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the performance of PVDF/PVC ultrafiltration membrane

Abstract

In this study, functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (F-MWCNTs) were used to<br><br>modify the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blend UF membrane<br><br>via solution blending method. The effect of F-MWCNTs dosage (0–1%) on the properties<br><br>and performance of PVDF/PVC/F-MWCNTs membranes was investigated. The prepared<br><br>blend membranes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR),<br><br>Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy<br><br>(FESEM), contact angle, and tensile strength techniques. Results showed that hydrophilicity<br><br>of membranes was enhanced with increase of F-MWCNTs content. The performance of the<br><br>membranes was evaluated in terms of pure water flux (PWF) and dextran filtration. The<br><br>results showed that presence of F-MWCNTs in polymer matrix improved performance and<br><br>antifouling properties of PVDF/PVC blend membrane. Accordingly, incorporation of<br><br>0.3–0.5 wt.% of F-MWCNTs represented maximum dextran rejection and permeate flux,<br><br>respectively.