Preparation and characterization of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based ultrafiltration membranes using nano γ-Al2O3

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based ultrafiltration membranes were prepared from a PVDF/nano gamma-Al2O3 complex suspension where the gamma-Al2O3 was well dispersed. The effect of nano gamma-Al2O3 concentration on the membrane performances was investigated. Surface chemical compositions, surface and cross-section morphologies and the hydrophilicity of the membranes were characterised by FTIR, DSC, SEM and contact angle measurement, respectively. The mechanical strength of the membranes was also investigated. Permeation experiments were conducted to evaluate the water flux. Both static and dynamic bovine serum albumin fouling resistance performances were investigated. All the experimental results indicated that the new PVDF ultrafiltration membranes demonstrated better separation performances than pure PVDF membranes.