Abstract
A mixed matrix nanocomposite membrane comprising of polyethersulfone (PES) and nano Fe3O4 particles was synthesised with an aim to develop a membrane with superior ability to high water flux while maintaining salt rejection efficiency. The study focused on optimizing the effect of different percentages of nano Fe3O4 particles addition on the membrane pure water flux, and rejection of both the NaCl and MgSO4. The results showed that the PES nanocomposite membrane with 15% Fe3O4 exhibited the highest pure water flux, while the highest rejection of NaCl and MgSO4 belonged to the PES-10% Fe3O4. The rejection sequence of PES-10% Fe3O4 membrane was 68% and 82%, respectively. Also it was observed that nano Fe3O4 particles improved membrane hydrophilicity, and helped to construct a membrane with desire surface and cross-section morphology. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1870-1877, 2013. (c) 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers