Study on the Performance of [PAC/PSf]-mixed Matrix Membrane used in Water Filtration

Abstract

The polysulfone used in membrane manufacturing showed low performances in wastewater treatment when compared with other special polymers. Researchers worldwide are trying to improve membrane performances through different techniques, such as: blending, grafting and surface chemical reaction, etc. [1]. Blending is an efficient technique with great performance and relative low cost compared with other means of membrane enhancement. All membranes were manufactured by phase inversion and the composite membrane solution was mixed with powdered activated carbon (AC). The activated carbon is used on a large scale in conventional wastewater treatment systems, having good antibacterial properties and high absorption degree of contaminants. The studied membranes were characterized as follows: flux, permeability, retention of Naphthol Green B (NGB) dye, contact angle and SEM microscopy. The permeability results of the composite membranes blended with activate carbon particles showed better performance than the neat membrane, with an increase of 15.384%. Contact angle increased after powdered activated carbon blending in membrane matrix.