Abstract
In this study, we successfully prepared nine non-woven, supported polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes, using a phase inversion precipitation method, starting from a 15 wt % PVDF solution in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Various membrane morphologies were obtained by using (1) PVDF polymers, with diverse molecular weights ranging from 300 to 700 kDa, and (2) different temperature coagulation baths (20, 40, and 60 ± 2 °C) used for the film precipitation. An environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) was used for surface and cross-section morphology characterization. An atomic force microscope (AFM) was employed to investigate surface roughness, while a contact angle (CA) instrument was used for membrane hydrophobicity studies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results show that the fabricated membranes are formed by a mixture of TGTG’ chains, in α phase crystalline domains, and all-TTTT trans planar zigzag chains characteristic to β phase. Moreover, generated results indicate that the phases’ content and membrane morphologies depend on the polymer molecular weight and conditions used for the membranes’ preparation. The diversity of fabricated membranes could be applied by the End User Industries for different applications.
Highlights
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is one of the most widely studied and well-accepted polymers for membrane fabrication through a conventional phase inversion method (PIP)
We have investigated the influence of non-solvent bath temperature on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane polymorphism and morphologies
Based on an Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)-ATR investigation, it was observed that membrane polymorphism is influenced by polymer molecular weight, as well as the temperature of non-solvents used for membrane precipitation
Summary
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is one of the most widely studied and well-accepted polymers for membrane fabrication through a conventional phase inversion method (PIP). PVDF-unique features include good degradation resistance against radiation, outstanding chemical and thermal resistance, and excellent mechanical properties [1,2,3]. It is a specialty plastic used in a vast number of traditional, well-defined applications, such as piping and tubing, membranes, cables, and as an insulator for premium wire. To meet booming global demand for this thermoplastic polymer in energy-efficient, environmental and industrial applications, very recently (November 2017) Solvay S.A. Company—one of the industrial leaders in PVDF production—inaugurated its Solef® polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) plant in China [8]
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