MODIFICATION OF POLYSULFONE ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANES WITH PVA AND TiO2 FOR BETTER ANTIFOULING

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate anti-fouling property of modified polysulfone ultrafiltration (UF) membranes. Polysulfone UF membranes were modified by coating a thin film of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol and titanium dioxide (TiO₂)  on surface. Effects of curing temperature on the coated membranes were also studied. The modified membranes were tested with 0.5 g/L sodium  alginate solution and industrial dye wastewater. Curing temperature influenced remarkably flux and fouling property of the membranes. Among experiments studied, 85^oC was the best curing temperature. The PVA and

PVA/TiO₂-coated membranes reduced fouling significantly. Dispersion of TiO₂ nanoparticles on membrane surface improved considerably bacteria removal of the membranes.