Abstract
The swelling properties of hydrogels as draw agents have been identified as one of the key parameters in determining the performance of polymer hydrogel-driven forward osmosis process. We report here a new strategy to improve the swelling property of hydrogels by the introduction of structural inhomogeneity and compressive forces in an ionic hydrogel for the purpose of increasing forward osmosis water flux. This is achieved by incorporating a hydrophobic, elastic polyester (PET) hollow microfiber into an ionic hydrogel under a compressive force during the preparation of the composite hydrogel monolith. The forward osmosis water flux of the composite hydrogels increased with increasing the microfiber loading and compression pressure. The composite hydrogel with 50 wt% PET microfiber loading and 18 kPa compression pressure demonstrated the highest flux. The water flux of poly(NIPAM-co-SA)–PET microfiber composite prepared under 18 kPa compression (PN5S5–PET-0.5/0.5-18) and poly(sodium acrylate)–PET microfib...
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
