Development of antifouling polyamide thin-film composite membranes modified with amino-cyclodextrins and diethylamino-cyclodextrins for water treatment

Bhekani S. Mbuli, Edward N. Nxumalo, Sabelo D. Mhlanga, Rui W. Krause, Visvanathan L. Pillay, Yoram Oren, Charles Linder, Bhekie B. Mamba

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

The fouling behavior of polyamide thin-film composite (TFC) membranes modified with amino- and diethylamino-cyclodextrins (CDs) through an in situ interfacial polymerization process is reported. Modified polyamide TFC membranes exhibited improved hydrophilicity, water permeability, and fouling resistance as compared to the unmodified TFC membranes, while restricting the passage of NaCl salt (98.46±0.5%). The increase in hydrophilicity was attributed to the secondary and tertiary hydroxyl groups of the CDs, which were not aminated. The membranes modified with amino-CDs had increased surface roughness while the membranes modified with diethylamino-CDs had smoother surfaces. However, despite the surface roughness of the membranes modified with amino-CDs, low fouling was observed due to the highly hydrophilic surfaces, which superseded the roughness.

Original languageEnglish
Article number40109
JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume131
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Apr 2014

Keywords

  • Composites
  • Films
  • Hydrophilic polymers
  • Membranes
  • Properties and characterization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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