In this study, functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (F-MWCNTs) were used to modify the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blend UF membrane via solution blending method. The effect of F-MWCNTs dosage (0–1%) on the properties and performance of PVDF/PVC/F-MWCNTs membranes was investigated. The prepared blend membranes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), contact angle, and tensile strength techniques. Results showed that hydrophilicity of membranes was enhanced with increase of F-MWCNTs content. The performance of the membranes was evaluated in terms of pure water flux (PWF) and dextran filtration. The results showed that presence of F-MWCNTs in polymer matrix improved performance and antifouling properties of PVDF/PVC blend membrane. Accordingly, incorporation of 0.3–0.5 wt.% of F-MWCNTs represented maximum dextran rejection and permeate flux, respectively.

Keywords