PVC cross-linked with benzidine and p-phenylenediamine for oil and water separation

To obtain oil/water separation membranes, purified PVC waste was cross-linked with benzidine and p-phenylenediamine. The cross-linked PVC was characterized using FT-IR, SEM, elemental analysis (C, H, N), and TGA. Tensile mechanical properties were also determined. The effectiveness of the PVC membranes in separating oil from water was tested using UV-VIS. The type of amine used had a significant impact on water and oil recovery and separation time. The best results were obtained for PVC cross-linked with p-phenylenediamine.