PDADMAC/PAA semi-IPN hydrogel-coated PVDF membrane for robust anti-wetting in membrane distillation

In this study, composite membranes have been developed via deposition of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)/poly acrylic acid (PDADMAC/PAA) semi-interpenetrating (semi-IPN) hydrogel on the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) support to provide an understanding the impacts of membrane surfaces and surfactants properties on wetting behavior in direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) processes. The PDADMAC/PAA semi-IPN hydrogel membrane showed a wettability and underwater oleophobic properties with underwater oil contact angle over 125 degrees, which favored reduction of oil deposition on the membrane surface. The long-term robustness of the PDADMAC/PAA-coated membrane in 3 wt.% NaCl solution containing cationic, ionic and non-ionic surfactants was investigated via DCMD experiments. (C) 2019 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.