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Organic and inorganic mixed matrix membranes are one of the most promising new membrane materials for ultrafiltration (UF) separation applications. In this study, PVC/Fe 2 O 3-mixed UF membranes were fabricated at different nano-Fe 2 O 3 loading levels (0-2 wt. %) using the phase inversion method. Surface chemical compositions, surface and cross-section morphologies and characteristics, hydrophilicity and mechanical strength of the membranes were characterized using several analytical techniques and instruments such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), a contact angle goniometer, dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and a nanoindenter. Membrane performance was also tested in terms of water flux, solute rejection, and anti-fouling characteristics. The experimental results demonstrated that the overall membrane structure was remarkably enhanced with the addition of Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles up to a loading of 1%. This was due to the membrane's more hydrophilic and smoother surface and a more elongated finger-like structure as well as higher porosity and pore size. The nanoindentation experiments indicated that Fe 2 O 3 incorporation greatly enhanced the hardness of the membranes providing a higher pore integrity degree. However, higher Fe 2 O 3 content caused a nanoparticle aggregation resulting in a decline in the performance of the composite membranes. Compared with the pristine PVC membrane, the membrane containing 1% Fe 2 O 3 exhibited better capabilities such as the enhanced water flux (782 L/m 2 h), higher

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