Polysulfone−ZrO2 Surface Interactions. The Influence on Formation, Morphology and Properties of Zirfon-Membranes

• Published in: The journal of physical chemistry. B Vol. 110; no. 14; pp. 7425 - 7430
• Main Authors: Aerts, P, Kuypers, S, Genné, I, Leysen, R, Mewis, J, Vankelecom, I. F. J, Jacobs, P. A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 13.04.2006
• ISSN: 1520-6106; 1520-5207
• DOI: 10.1021/jp053976c

The interaction between polysulfone and ZrO2 particles is studied as a function of the particle sintering temperature in order to understand the role of ZrO2 on the formation, morphology, and properties of organo-mineral composite membranes. The adsorption between the sintered ZrO2 and the constituents of polysulfone, 2,2-diphenylpropane and diphenyl sulfone, is investigated using high-pressure liquid chromatography. The influence of the polymer-ZrO2 interaction on the flow behavior of the casting suspension is registered via viscoelastic measurements. The organo-mineral composite membranes are formed by immersion precipitation in water, and the resulting membrane morphology is analyzed using high-resolution SEM. The zirconia concentration in the top-layer of the composite structure is determined by XPS. Finally, the link between the polymer-filler interactions, the membrane formation process, and the resulting membrane structure and properties is established.