Physicochemical properties of PSF/SiO2-NH2 composite membranes incorporated by polymeric additives

Abstract This research aims to study the effects of PVP and PEG on the morphological structure, hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of PSF/SiO2-NH2 composite membranes. PSF/SiO2-NH2 membranes with and without the addition of PVP and PEG are fabricated by phase inversion process and used to study the physical and chemical properties as mentioned. Change of the structure and wettability properties of prepared membrane samples are determined by different scientific techniques. Hydrophilic properties are evaluated through the measurement of water contact angle (WCA) while morphology and pore size, as well as the creation of pore on the top surface of membrane samples are analyzed through the SEM micrographs. Additionally, alteration of hydrophilic functional groups on the top skin surface of the membrane is measured by FTIR technique. Experimental results illustrated the effects of PVP and PEG on the morphological and porous structures of PSF/SiO2-NH2 composite membranes. Internal porous structure have clearly changed from the sponge-like structure with macrovoids to finger-like structure. Macrovoids disappeared with the addition of PVP and PEG into the matrix of PSF/SiO2-NH2 composite membranes. Experimental results also showed that nanopore created on the top surface of PSF/SiO2-NH2 membranes incorporated with PVP and PEG. Importantly, PVP and PEG show the influence to the hydrophilic properties of PSF/SiO2-NH2 membranes. The effect on the hydrophilic properties as mentioned is confirmed by the increasing of hydrophilic group on the membrane surfaces and decreasing of WCA. DMTA results showed that PVP and PEG affect the glass transition temperature and mechanical properties of PSF/SiO2-NH2 composite membranes.