Polyvinyl chloride/polycarbonate blend ultrafiltration membranes for water treatment

In this study, PVC/PC blend membranes were prepared via NIPS methods. Characterization techniques including FESEM, XRD, DSC, contact angle measurement, mechanical properties, abrasion test, stability test, pure water flux and filtration of BSA solution were applied to investigate the effects of PC content on the structure and performance of blend membranes. It was shown than PVC and PC are compatible and the results of FESEM, XRD and DSC analyses confirmed their compatibility. The pore size distribution of membranes shifted toward smaller pores as the content of PC in the membranes increased up to 50% and then shifted back toward larger pores. In addition, hydrophilicity, tensile strength and abrasion resistance of the blend membranes were improved. However, chemical stability of membranes against NaOH solution after 10 days decreased by increasing PC content. Pure water flux and BSA rejection as the performance criteria of membranes improved due to the presence of PC. It was found that antifouling properties of membranes increased with increasing PC content. The results indicated that PVC/PC blend membranes were high performance and fouling resistant membranes in comparison with neat PVC membrane.