Evaluation of the effect of clay in polyethersulfone membranes

Polymeric membranes were produced from nanocomposites of polyethersulfone and clay, in proportions of 3 and 5% by weight of clay, by phase inversion technique using N, N-dimethylformamide as solvent. From X-ray diffraction analysis, an exfoliated and/or partially exfoliated structure was observed. From scanning electron microscopy images, it was observed that the nanocomposites membranes showed a surface free of defects, however, it was found in a cross section, an anisotropic structure, where the skin is thick and the porous support presents macropores. From water permeation flux measurements, it was found that the presence of the clay increased the flow, especially to the membrane with 5% of montmorillonite.