Preparation and characterization of a novel MMMs by comprising of PSF-HNT/TiO2 nanotubes to reduce organic sediments

Antifouling properties of ultrafiltration-mixed matrix nanocomposite membranes which are combined of polysulfone (PSF) and nanotubes composed of titanium dioxide and clay (HNT/TiO2) were studied. The membrane was prepared by phase separation process using different concentrations of HNT/TiO2 and polysulfone. Morphology (combination) of membrane was determined using a scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy. The most important observation was the significant improvement in water flow, which was attributed to improved hydrophilic property. Improved hydrophilic property was approved by water contact angle and porosity measurements. This improvement in hydrophilic property due to the presence of hydroxyl groups on HNT/TiO2 which was determined by (FTIR) spectrum. Fouling resistance of investigated membranes by solution filtration BSA showed that the membranes with 1 and 2% by weight HNT/TiO2 have the best antifouling property, which resulted in flow recovery. The effects of different directions of washing in sediment tests were reported. Vertical washing and parallel washing in period of sediment tests were performed and the effects were evaluated. Nanocomposite membrane HNT/TiO2 with parallel washing showed a significant reusable during filtration. PSF and PSF-HNT/TiO2 (0.5 wt%) showed severe rejection nearly 100%, while this high ability was not observed for membranes with higher percent of HNT/TiO2. In addition, the experimental results confirm that the antifouling on the membranes of pure PSF and PSF-HNT/TiO2 (0.5 wt%), molecules after infection with BSA, is not able to recover their ability to the initial permeability, while the membranes with higher percent HNT/TiO2 show good current recover after washing with pure water.