Analysis of fouling mechanisms in TiO super(2) embedded high density polyethylene membranes for collagen separation

• Published in: Chemical engineering research & design 2015-01, Vol.93, p.684-695
• Main Authors: Jafarzadeh, Y, Yegani, R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Filtration; Fouling; High density; Membranes; Nanoparticles; Phase separation; Polyethylenes; Titanium dioxide
• ISSN: 0263-8762; 1744-3563
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2014.06.001

In this study, the fouling behavior of TiO sub(2)-polyethylene hybrid membranes was analyzed. Initially high density polyethylene (HDPE) membranes embedded with TiO sub(2) nanoparticles were fabricated via thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method. FESEM images showed that the membranes had leafy structure indicating solid-liquid phase separation mechanism. The results of XRD analysis confirmed the presence of TiO sub(2) nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. AFM images showed that the surface roughness of TiO sub(2) embedded membranes were higher than that of neat HDPE membrane. Pure water flux of membranes improved as the TiO sub(2) content increased. The fouling behavior of membranes was investigated by filtration of collagen protein solution. The governing fouling mechanisms of membranes were also investigated using classic models as well as combined fouling models. The results showed that the best model fitted into the experimental data for 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 wt.% TiO sub(2) embedded HDPE membranes was the cake filtration model. For neat and 0.25 wt.% TiO sub(2) embedded membranes, however, cake filtration-complete blockage model was in good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, addition of TiO sub(2) nanoparticles increased reversible portion of fouling.