POLYSULFONE/POLYVINYLIDENE FLUORIDE COMPOSITE MEMBRANE: EFFECT OF COATING DOPE COMPOSITION ON MEMBRANE CHARACTERISTICS AND PERFORMANCE

The asymmetric polysulfone/polyvinylidene fluoride composite membranes with vary polyvinylidene fluoride levels in coating dope were prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation. N-methyl pyrrolidinone and distilled-water were used as a combination of solvent and non-solvent, while ammonium chloride was applied as a porogenic additive in the system. Physical characteristics of the prepared membranes were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. The membranes performance was analyzed in term of pure water flux, porosity, mechanical properties respectively. Results showed a good interaction between polyvinylidene fluoride material and polysulfone matrix. The polyvinylidene fluoride coating on the polysulfone matrix has increased the small pore quantity in the skin layer and strengthened the mechanical strength of the membrane. In addition, increased porosity with increasing doses of polyvinylidene fluoride in the dope solution does not necessarily increase the pure water flux of the membranes.