Thermal and mechanical characterization of polypropylene composite membrane doped with TiO2 nanoparticles

Abstract

The HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) industry offers many opportunities for membrane-based gas separation technologies. In this study, a hollow polypropylene (poly-P) fibre membrane loaded with nanoparticles was created to dry out the indoor air. The mechanical and thermal stability of polypropylene loaded nanoparticles (TiO2/poly-P) usually improve with increasing titanium concentration. The example of poly-P with a 4% volume concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles in a polypropylene matrix shows the highest improvement in thermal stability. Atomic force and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine the nanocomposites' structure, and the results showed a correlation between the change in the thermal and mechanical characteristics and the change in TiO2/poly-P content. According to AFM investigations, when titanium nanoparticles are added to poly-P, the supramolecular structure is altered and an ordered structure is created. In comparison to 2% TiO2 doped poly-P nanocomposites, films containing 4% TiO2 demonstrated a more effective immediate moisture retention capacity, according to moisture absorption analyses. This study offers a fresh viewpoint for enhancing the poly-P composite membrane's ability to dehumidify the air.