ID :
205087
Sun, 09/04/2011 - 11:46
Auther :

New Method Found for Synthesizing Polymeric Nano-Membranes

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian researchers at Kashan University managed to synthesize a nano-membrane with diverse pores through photo-polymerization process.
"The main reason for using new membranes having properties intermediate to those of reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration is to separate monovalent and divalent salts as well as non-ionic solutes with molecular weights less than 2000 g/mol. The synthesis of nano-membrane using photo-polymerization process is investigated in this research", Dr. Ahmad Akbari, faculty member at Kashan University, said.

Pointing to the advantages of nano-membranes, he said, "Ability of ion separation from solutions at fairly low pressures is one of the unique features of nano-membranes, which is a result of having ionic charges on their surface. Even if their pores are greater than ionic radius, the solution ions are highly captured."

Elaborating on the synthesis procedure, Dr. Akbari said, "Casting solution was prepared by solving a definite amount of polysulfone in 1-methyl 2-pyrolidon. Then poly ethylene glycol was added as filler and additive and a polymeric film was produced. In order to convert the initial ultrafiltration membranes to nano-membrane, photo-polymerization process was practiced by means of UV radiation."

The results include reduction of membrane permeability by increasing the concentration of monomer (acrylic acid) in the solution during UV radiation.

Lengthening the UV radiation period in photo-polymerization will increase polymer concentration at membrane surface and will decrease membrane permeability.






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