NANOPARTICLE IN NONSOLVENT FOR SURFACE MODIFICATION OF PES MEMBRANE

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was synthesized by acidic hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose and was used as obtained in phase inversion precipitation of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. The effect of NCC concentration on the surface morphology was probed. The coagulation of PES in the presence of NCC led to more hydrophilic and smoother surface as well as higher water content and bulk porosity. Due to hydrophilic nature of NCC trapped in membrane top-layer, superior hydrophilic and smooth surface with conspicuous potential of antifouling ability was prepared. The method of adding hydrophilic nano particle into nonsolvent allowed a simple procedure for surface modification of polymeric membrane using biocompatible non-toxic nanomaterial