PHOTOCHEMICAL GRAFTING POLYMERIZATION OF TW30 NANOFILTRATION MEMBRANES

Abstract

   Nanofiltration membrane TW30 has been modified by surface photochemical grafting polymerization under UV irradiation, using maleic acid (MA) and acrylic (AA) as monomers for grafting. Influence of surfacemodification conditions on membrane characteristics has been investigated and compared based on membrane separation performance and its surface properties. FTIR-ATR spectra showed the changes in membrane surface chemical functionality with further intensity of carboxylic and hydroxyl groups, which could involve the increasing of membrane surface hydrophilicity. AFM images also reveal the changes in membrane surface morphology with the formation of polymer layer grafted onto membrane surface after modification. Separation performance of membrane is determined through the possibility of removal of soluble dyes. The experimental results indicated that separation property of modified membrane is improved clearly in comparison with that of unmodified one, with the increase of both of membrane flux and its retention for dye Red 3BF in aqueous solution. 

Keywords: surface modification; nanofiltration membrane; photochemical grafting polymerization; separation of dye.