Influence of modified clay on the structure and performance of polysulfocomposite membrane

Highly porous modified clay material with large surface area known as ?Filtralite? was used as a filler for the preparation of polysulfone (PSf) composite membranes. Filtralite concentration in the membrane composition was varied from 0, 1, 2 and 3%. The prepared membranes were characterized and their permeation performances were identified using pure water, sodium alginate and humic acid solutions. It was found that the addition of Filtralite to PSf increased the water uptake, hydrophilicity, porosity and surface roughness of the membranes. The obtained results showed that both permeation and antifouling properties of the prepared composite membranes were enhanced with added Filtralite content to the PSf membrane. The experimental results showed that a maximum of 2% Filtralite content can be added for better membrane performances, beyond which the membrane characteristics start to degrade. ? 2018, Desalination Publications. All rights reserved.This paper was made possible by an NPRP Grant # 5-1425-2-607 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation). The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.Scopu