Preparation and characterization of a novel high-flux emulsion polyvinyl chloride (EPVC) ultrafiltration membrane incorporated with boehmite nanoparticles

Abstract A novel high-flux emulsion polyvinyl chloride (EPVC) ultrafiltration membrane incorporated with different concentrations of boehmite nanoparticles was prepared. The modified EPVC membranes demonstrated enhanced hydrophilicity property and higher pure water flux and lower water contact angle because of the presence of hydrophilic boehmite in membrane matrix. The results showed that water flux was enhanced from 422.6 L m−2 h−1 for neat membrane to 701 4 L m−2 h−1 for 0.75 wt.% boehmite incorporated membrane at 2 bar. In addition, BSA flux growth of the optimum nanocomposite membrane in comparison with the neat one was 37.2%. BSA rejection for all nanocomposite membranes was above 98%.