Modifications of structure and properties of polyamide composite membranes by incorporating HEMA and PVA

Abstract

In order to enhance the chlorine resistance and the water flux of the polyamide composite membrane, fabricated from the interfacial reaction of MPDA (m-phenylenediamine) and TMC(trimesoyl chloride), some of MPDA was replaced by HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) or PVA(polyvinyl alcohol, MW=22000). Polysulfone membranes were prepared as a support having ideal structure, and nonporous active layer was formed on the surface of the support by the interfacial reaction. Introduction of HEMA or PVA enhanced the a ater flux as well as the chlorine resistance because of the eater bond between HEMA and TMC or PVA and TMC. Photocrosslinking of HEMA and crosslinking of PVA with formaldehyde resulted in the network structures which secured the performance stability of the composite membrane.