The Effect of Microwave Irradiation on Morphological and Mechanical Characteristics of Nano Silica Loaded PVDF Hollow Fiber Membranes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Mechanical engineering Department, Engineering & Renewable Energy Research Institute, National Research Centre

2 Mechanical Engineering Dept., Engineering & Renewable Energy Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

3 Mechanical and production department, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University

4 Chemical Engineering and Pilot Plant Department, National Research Centre, El-Buhouth Street, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative assessment of the effect of microwave (MW) on nano silica loaded Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fibre membranes (HFMs). Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was introduced into the dope and nano silica was introduced during interfacial polymerisation to prepare thin film nanocomposite (TFN) HFMs. Also, exposure to MW irradiation at 55°C for 10 minutes in salt solution has been undertaken. Characterisation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle (CA), porosity and mechanical properties have been undertaken. Results showed unchanged morphological features after MW exposure. Surface roughness manifested moderate increase upon TEOS or nano silica loading from 37.5 nm to 73.1 nm, where such changes were partially rectified after MW exposure. Effect on mechanical properties showed changes in tensile strength between 1.85 to 2.36 MPa, changes in modulus between 50.5 to 97.2 MPa and changes in elongation at break between 38% to 55.6%. Increased hydrophilicity was observed due to nano silica loading and MW exposure, where CA reached a minimum of 33.6 for nano silica thin film PVDF HFM after MW exposure. Finally, porosity investigations manifested moderate changes of mean pore diameter with minor changes in membrane total porosity. In general, obtained results permit precise control of membrane characteristics by smart combination of nano silica loading and MW exposure, allowing improvement extent of membrane properties and performance for versatile applications.

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Egyptian Journal of Chemistry
Volume 65, Issue 132 - Serial Number 13
Special Issue: Chemistry and Global Challenges (Part B)
December 2022
Pages 735-744

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 June 2022
  • Revise Date: 14 July 2022
  • Accept Date: 19 July 2022

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