Preparation, characterization and application of cellulose acetate-iron nanoparticles blend ultra filtration membranes

Ultra filtration (UF) membranes are widely applied for micromolecular solutes separation from aqueous streams especially in the field of effluent treatment of chemical process industries. A series of cellulose acetate (CA) blended with iron nanoparticles (modifier) ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by the phase-inversion technique in 100/0, 99.5/0.5, 98.5/1.5 and 97.5/2.5% polymer blend compositions. The membranes prepared were characterized in terms of compaction, pure water flux, membrane hydraulic resistance, thermo mechanical analysis and water uptake. Surface and cross-sectional morphologies of the membranes were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). UF characterization studies clearly indicated the better performance of 99.5% CA - 0.5% iron nanoparticles blend membrane in comparison with other synthesized UF membranes. The 99.5% CA - 0.5% iron nanoparticles blend UF membrane was applied to study the rejection of sulphates & organics (in terms of BOD, COD level) for a textile industry effluent. The results indicated almost an equivalent solute rejection percentage (%SR) in comparison to pure CA membranes but with an increased flux rate of separation.