Electrospun PET/PEG Fibrous Membrane with Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Hydrophilicity for Filtration Applications

Abstract

In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibrous membranes were fabricated by electrospinning technique. The PEG was incorporated into the PET matrix at fixed ratios (1/1, 2/1, 4/1, 6/1, 8/1, 10/1, w/w) to significantly improve the conductivity and reduce the viscosity of the solution, which would result in a novel morphology and high hydrophilicity of the composite fibrous membranes. Water contract angle tests show that the membranes exhibit super hydrophilic properties only when the ratio of PET/PEG is 10/1. The 6/1-PET fibrous membrane exhibits uniform and smooth morphology, while the flat fibers are formed in 4/1-PET fibrous membrane. Furthermore, incorporation of PEG can also significantly improve the mechanical properties of PET membranes. The tensile strength is increased about two times in 6/1-PET membrane compared with pure PET membrane. Additionally, the 6/1-PET membrane has the best porosity and NaCl rejection due to the uniform and thinner fibers. This work finds that PEG can effectively improve hydrophilic and mechanical properties of electrospun PET fibrous membranes, which plays a vital role in filtration field.