Reverse osmosis and fine structure of decrystallized acrylic acid grafted nylon 6 membranes

Abstract

AbstractNylon 6 film and acrylic acid grafted nylon 6 (GN) membrances were reacted with paraformaldehyde and lactic acid in the presence of acid catalysts. Decrystallized nylon 6 (DN) and decrystallized grafted nylon 6 (DGN) membranes were thus obtained. The cross sections of GN and DGN membranes were observed by a transmission electron microscope. Branch poly(acrylic acid) penetrated toward the center of the membrane and deposited homogeneously within the membrane as the extent of grafting exceeded about 100%. The reverse osmosis of DN and DGN membranes was investigated. The water permeability through the membranes was improved by the decrystallization reaction. DGN membranes with more than 100% grafting show high values of the salt rejection (Rs) as compared with DN and DGN membranes with about 50% grafting, especially at the region of the high hydraulic permeability coefficient of water (K). The relationships among Rs, K, and the volume fraction of water (H) are discussed by considering the results of the decrystallization reaction and electron microscopy.