Modification of PVC/ PAN blend membrane using hydrolysis in sodium hydroxide solution

In this study, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/ polyacrylonitrile (PAN) blend membrane was modified using sodium hydroxide solution. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, porosity and pure water flux measurement were used to evaluate membrane characteristics and performance. Pure water flux of membrane increased about 42% by hydrolysis in 0.5 mol/l NaOH solution with modification time of 0.5 h. Then, to perform faster hydrolysis reaction, the composition of coagulation bath was changed from pure water to sodium hydroxide solution with three different concentrations. Results showed that pure water flux of membrane reduced despite increased membrane porosity