Effect of surface modifying macromolecules on the properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes were surface-modified using fluorotelemer intermediate Zonyl BA-L as a fluorinated surface modifying macromolecules (SMM) additives in the concentration range from 0 to 2 wt.%. Prepared membranes were characterized by contact angle measurement, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and pervaporation test. The experimental results showed that SMM migrated to the surface and effectively increased the surface hydrophobicity of the PVDF membranes. The pure water permeation flux evaluated by pervaporation decreased with an increase in the content of SMM.