Abstract
In this paper, we report on the characterization and performance of reasonably low-cost composite membranes of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) and montmorillonite (MMT) clay. Composite membranes were fabricated using different MMT loading levels (0-10 wt%), using a phase-inversion method to improve the PVC membrane's physicochemical properties and performance. Membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. X-ray diffraction studies revealed the formation of the MMT exfoliated structure. Thermal gravimetric analysis indicated improved thermal stability with the addition of MMT. Moreover, the experimental performance results demonstrated an improvement regarding water flux, antifouling properties, and salt rejection up to a loading of 10%. The membrane containing 6% MMT exhibited optimum performance, with 127% enhancement in water flux. Moreover, it demonstrated an improvement of 32% in the salt rejection for NaCl, Na 2 SO 4 and MgSO 4 and 36% for LiCl, compared with the pure PVC membrane. Furthermore, it displayed an increase of 28% in the flux recovery ratio.