Study of Hydrophilic Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes for Filtration of Micro and Nanosize Suspended Particles

Abstract

Polymeric nanofiber membranes of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blended with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were fabricated using an electrospinning process at different conditions and used for the filtration of three different liquid suspensions to determine the efficiency of the filter membranes. The three liquid suspensions included lake water, abrasive particles from a water jet cutter, and suspended magnetite nanoparticles. The major goal of this research work was to create highly hydrophilic nanofiber membranes and utilize them to filter the suspended liquids at an optimal level of purification (i.e., drinkable level). In order to overcome the fouling/biofouling/blocking problems of the membrane, a coagulation process, which enhances the membrane’s efficiency for removing colloidal particles, was used as a pre-treatment process. Two chemical agents, Tanfloc (organic) and Alum (inorganic), were chosen for the flocculation/coagulation process. The removal efficiency of the suspended particles in the liquids was measured in terms of turbidity, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS). It was observed that the coagulation/filtration experiments were more efficient at removing turbidity, compared to the direct filtration process performed without any coagulation and filter media.

Synthesis of Nanobentonite–Poly(vinyl alcohol)–Bacterial Cellulose Nanocomposite by Electrospinning for Wound Healing Applications

“…It is known that the surface energy and surface geometric features influence the water contact angles of fibrous mats . Size variations of the fibers altered the hydrophilicity due to the roughness issue and surface features . The hydrophilicity results of the nanocomposite containing up to 2 wt% CNBT were decreased and its hydrophilicity changed to hydrophobicity, something that is also reported in other works …”

The synthesis of nanofiber membranes from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) waste using electrospinning for use as air filtration media

“…Knowing the membrane surface wettability (hydrophilic or hydrophobic) is important for determining the suitable application of the membrane. Membranes with a hydrophilic surface (CA < 90 ) are ideal as water ltration media, 35,36 while membranes with a hydrophobic surface (CA ¼ 90-150 ) are more suitable as air ltration media. 12 The hydrophobic membranes can also be used as an oil and water separator because membranes with the hydrophobic surface are usually oleophilic.…”

Experience-based learning on determining the frictional coefficients of thermoset polymers incorporated with silicon carbide whiskers and chopped carbon fibers at different temperatures

“…Industrial changes and technological challenges have been forcing many scientists and researchers on developing new and functional materials for different harsh conditions [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. In the present study, silicon carbide (SiC) whiskers and chopped carbon fibers were chosen as the fill materials to study as they are both highly abrasive and conduct heat very well.…”