Microwave assisted graft synthesis and characterization of poly(methacrylic acid)-grafted polyethersulfone for preparation hydrophilic and low-fouling membranes for water treatment

Publication date: Available online 11 May 2018 Source:Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C Author(s): Lwazi Ndlwana, Keneiloe Sikhwivhilu, Richard Moutloali, Jane Catherine Ngila Herein, we report on powder composites of polymethacrylic acid (PMAA)-grafted polyethersulfone (PES) prepared via microwave (MW) assisted synthesis. The grafting was confirmed by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) after which ultrafiltration membranes were prepared from the powder composites by phase inversion. The effect of PMAA grafting on the morphology of the membranes was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); which showed enhanced surface roughness with increased degree of grafting. Contact angle measurements showed improved hydrophilicity. Water permeation, protein rejection, porosity and fouling studies were also carried out and these parameters presented significant enhancements with increased degree of grafting. The rapidity of the MW-assisted grafting method means more related composites can now be prepared and most conveniently over others. Potential use of these low fouling membranes exists in water treatment and protein separation.
Source: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts ABC - Category: Science Source Type: research