Synergistic Effect of Functionalized Nanokaolin Decorated MWCNTs on the Performance of Cellulose Acetate (CA) Membranes Spectacular.
In order to enhance salt rejection level and high pressure mechanical integrity, functionalized nanokaolin decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes (FNKM, 0-5 wt % loading) were incorporated into a cellulose acetate (CA) matrix using high temperature solution mixing methodology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) were used to characterize the prepared membranes. The obtained results revealed that with increasing FNKM concentration in the host polymeric matrix, composite membrane's structural, functional, thermal, water permeation/flux and salt rejection characteristics were also modified accordingly. Percent enhancement in salt rejection was increased around threefold by adding 5 wt % FNKM in CA.
Physics Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan. a4amina@gmail.com.
Amina
A
Afzal
Physics Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan. shahidrafiq@uet.edu.pk.
Muhammad Shahid
MS
Rafique
HR Materials, Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate, Lahore 54000, Pakistan. drnadeemiqbal82@gmail.com.
Nadeem
N
Iqbal
Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan. aaqaiser@yahoo.com.
Asif Ali
AA
Qaiser
Physics Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan. wah_uet@yahoo.com.
Abdul Waheed
AW
Anwar
Department of Polymer Engineering and Technology, CEET, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan. sadiasagariqbal.pu@gmail.com.
Sadia Sagar
SS
Iqbal
cellulose acetate; functionalized nanokaoline; membranes; multiwalled carbon nanotubes; salt rejection; thermal properties; water flux