Two different routes to prepare porous biodegradable composite membranes containing nanoclay

Abstract

The method employed for membrane preparation and nanoparticle incorporation in membrane systems can affect their properties. This work aims to compare the better strategy to obtain membranes from the preparation of PBAT [Poly(butylene adipate co‐terephthalate)] containing nanoclay Cloisite® 20A (C20A) (0, 0.5, and 1 wt.%) by combined Evaporation/Non‐solvent Induced Phase Separation (EIPS/NIPS) or dip coating methods. The SEM, TGA, contact angle measurements, FTIR, XRD, mechanical testing, and cost analysis characterized EIPS/NIPS to dip coating membranes. EIPS/NIPS membranes had smaller pores (0.3–0.5 μm), with a more homogeneous pore diameter distribution due to C20A nanoclay insertion. PBAT/0.5% C20AEIPS/NIPS was the more hydrophilic membrane (37°) with better mechanical properties proven by statistical analysis. The cost analysis showed that EIPS/NIPS membranes production cost per square meter (m2) was lower (US$ 73.4–73.8) than dip coating (US$ 89.0–99.2). The EIPS/NIPS method was the most economically and statistically advantageous, and its properties can favor future applications for PTEs removal in aqueous media.