Hydrophilic Surface Properties Research Articles

Effect of surface morphology on the mesoporous silicon modified nanofiltration membranes for high rejection performance

A new method to prepare composite nanofiltration membrane directly and efficiently by controlling the pore structure and surface morphology of the membrane is proposed in this paper. The fabrication of mesoporous silicon modified polysulfone blend membranes is via a phase inversion method. The structural morphology, surface functional group analysis, elemental analysis, hydrophilicity, chargeability, and nitrogen pollutant (ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total nitrogen) rejection properties of the modified membranes were found to be dependent on the amount of mesoporous silicon incorporated. The combination of the mesoporous silicon framework layer can not only effectively improve the surface structure of the modified membrane with a narrow pore size distribution but also increase the rejection of nitrogen pollutant compared with the pure NF membranes. The mesoporous material can absorb and storage the nitrogenous solution to facilitate the following interfacial polymerization, as well as induce the change of pore radius and surface structure. Compared to those pure NF composite membranes, the modified blend membranes exhibit increased water permeation flux as high as 29.09 L m−2 h−1 at 0.2 MPa. The results show that the optimum doping amount of mesoporous silicon is in the range of 0.5%-1.0%. Characterization studies demonstrated that the addition of the mesoporous silicon leads to decreased membrane pore size. Then, due to the enhanced hydrophilicity of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on the surface, the electrostatic repulsion between the functional groups and nitrogen pollutant molecules in the membrane results in the enhanced rejection of nitrogen pollutants.

Mechanically-enhanced fibre topography via electrospinning on a poly(ε-caprolactone) film for tendon tissue-engineering application

ABSTRACT Tendon is a fibrous connective tissue where the fibres as biophysical cues are key regulators to regenerate injured tendon. However, electrospun fibres are often mechanically insufficient for the tendon application. Here, we reported a method by using rough polymer surface as the reinforcement of fibres to promote surface fibre deposition and integration during electrospinning. Results showed that the addition of polymer surface with open-pore topography significantly improved the deposition of fibres. The as-fabricated fibre topography was found to couple with improved surface hydrophilicity, higher crystallinity, and mechanical properties including both the maximum force and extension upon receiving elastic and plastic deformations. Seeding with TCSs, the fibre topography showed good cell compatibility and could be able to support F-actin cytoskeleton expression with the building of tendon cell interconnection. This work could have insights into the design of mechanically enhanced fibre topography for tendon tissue regeneration.

Novel stand-alone PVA mixed matrix membranes conjugated with graphene oxide for highly improved reverse osmosis performance

In this research, an innovative Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) reverse osmosis (RO) membrane with exceptional attributes was fabricated. Graphene Oxide (GO) nanosheets and Pluronic F-127 were infused within crosslinked PVA to fabricate thin film mixed matrix membranes. The newly synthesized membranes were evaluated in terms of several parameters like surface roughness, hydrophilicity, salt rejection, water permeability, Chlorine tolerance and anti-biofouling property, utilizing a dead-end RO filtration unit. Typical characterization techniques were used to assess the characteristics of the membranes. These include SEM, AFM, contact angle measurements and mechanical strength analysis. The conjugation of Pluronic F-127 and GO enhanced the overall performance of the membranes. The modified membranes surfaces had less roughness and higher hydrophilicity in comparison with the unmodified ones. This research showed that membranes that contained 0.08 wt% and 0.1 wt% GO exhibited superior selectivity, mechanical strength, Chlorine tolerance and anti-biofouling property. The truly significant outcome to evolve from this investigation is that improvements have been accomplished while PVA was used as a stand-alone RO layer without the use of any substrate. This study showed that crosslinking of PVA and modifying it with proper fillers overcame the common PVA downsides, primarily swelling and rupture under exceptionally high pressure.

Effect of acid treatment substrate for supercapacitor electrode based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Effect of acid treatment substrate for supercapacitor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) electrode was investigated. The electrode was used as stainless steel type 304 (SS304) and was with hydrochloric acid (HCl) acid-treated before use. Firstly, SS304 substrates were soaked in 37% HCl for designated time. Acid treatment times were varied at 0, 5, 10 and 15 min. Their surface morphology, elemental components and hydrophilicity property of the acid-treated SS304 were analyzed. The 10-min-treated SS304 show the lowest contact angles, indicating the best hydrophilicity property. Electrode material was prepared by composites of MWNTs, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) with an area of 5x5 mm2. Their cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge (CD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were characterized. The 10-min-treated SS304 exhibits the best performance with a specific capacitance (SC) of 261.04 Fg−1. The improvement of the SC of the acid-treated substrate was contributed to the adhesion improvement between a current collector and an electrode material, and the hydrophilicity improvement, resulting in a large amount of electrolyte ions accessing into the electrode materials and subsequently enhancement of their capacitive characteristics.

The Ultrafine-Grain Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Reinforced β-Titanium Matrix Composites

Ti(β) alloys have become an important class in the biomedical field due to low Young’s modulus, excellent physical properties, and biocompatibility. However, their properties, like biocompatibility and, also, low wear resistance, can be still enhanced. To improve those properties, a composites approach can be applied. This research shows a new approach of the composite structure fabrication by powder metallurgy methods which for a stabile yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) reinforcement phase could be obtained in the ultra-fine grain range beta-titanium matrix. In this work, the composites based on ultrafine-grain Ti-xMo (x = 23 wt%, 27 wt%, 35 wt%) alloys with addition 3 wt%, 5 wt% or 10 wt% YSZ, and 1 wt% Y2O3 were fabricated by the mechanical alloying and hot-pressing approach. Obtained composites were characterized in terms of their phase composition, microstructure, Young’s modulus, hardness, surface free energy (SFE), and corrosion resistance. The structure of composites consists of phases based on Ti–Mo, Ti(α), and YSZ. The oxide (YSZ) powder tends to agglomerate during processing, which is revealed in composites based on Ti23Mo and Ti27Mo. However, composites based on Ti35Mo are characterized by a high degree of dispersibility and this influences significantly the hardness value of the composites obtained. Only in the case of composites based on Ti35Mo, the decrease in Young’ Modulus is observed. All composites possess a hydrophilic surface property and good corrosion resistance.

Preparation and Properties of a Kind of Hydrophilic Polyimide Film with Quaternary Ammonium Salt Structure

We synthesized a polyamide acid by copolycondensation reaction using diphenyl ether tetraacid dianhydride (ODPA) as the dianhydride monomer, diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA) and N-methyl-2,2-diaminodiethylamine (diethylamine) as the diamine monomer. Then the polymer with side-linked branch sulfonate structure was synthesized, and the structure of quaternary ammonium salt was added to the polyamide acid. A hydrophilic PI film was prepared by coating and thermal imidization process. The main influence factors in the formation process of hydrophilic PI film were discussed, then its hydrophilic properties and thermal properties were tested. The results show that diethylamine can react with lactone in the PI molecular chain in the DMAc system. The introduction of quaternary ammonium salt significantly improves the hydrophilic properties of the polyimide film surface,the water contact angle of the film dried at 130°C is 58.065°. Above 140°C, breakage and decomposition of the -N+SO3 − structure bond will occur, and the hydrophilic property will decrease.

Macroporous ceramic membrane condenser for water and heat recovery from flue gas

In this work, we experimentally study a macroporous ceramic membrane condenser (MCMC) with an average pore size of 3 µm for water and heat recovery from flue gas. Firstly, the heat and mass transfer mechanisms of MCMC are analyzed. The membrane surface is only wetted and no condensate accumulation, suggesting that the condensation rate is the key factor affecting the water recovery performance. Moreover, the thermal resistance in MCMC is concentrated at gas side, and the conductive resistance of the membrane occupies only about 1% of total resistance. The results also show that the experimental Sherwood numbers are larger than the correlated Sherwood numbers obtained by heat and mass transfer analogy. It may be caused by the hydrophilic properties of the membrane surface. Finally, the effects of operating conditions on water and heat recovery performance are investigated. The CMCM shows excellent performance in recovering water and heat, and the gas flow rate and gas/cooling water temperature have significant effect on recovered water/heat flux. In the future, we will further explore the coupled heat and mass transfer process and clear up the cause of the mass transfer enhancement.

Photosensitive Thin Films Based on Drop Cast and Langmuir-Blodgett Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic CdS Nanoparticles.

Comparative photoelectrochemical studies of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles with either hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface properties are presented. Oleylamine organic shells provided CdS nanoparticles with hydrophobic behavior, affecting the photoelectrochemical properties of such nanostructured semiconductor. Hydrophilic CdS nanoparticles were drop-cast on the electrode, whereas the hydrophobic ones were transferred in a controlled manner with Langmuir-Blodgett technique. The substantial hindrance of photopotential and photocurrent was observed for L-B CdS films as compared to the hydrophilic, uncoated nanoparticles that were drop-cast directly on the electrode surface. The electron lifetime in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanocrystalline CdS was determined, revealing longer carrier lifetime for oleylamine coated CdS nanoparticles, ascribed to the trapping of charge at the interface of the organic shell/CdS nanoparticle and to the dominant influence of the resistance of the organic shell against the flux of charges. The “on” transients of the photocurrent responses, observed only for the oleylamine-coated nanoparticles, were resolved, yielding the potential-dependent rate constants of the redox processes occurring at the interface.

Analysis of Mechanical and Wettability Properties of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Natural fibers have many advantages over synthetic fibers due to their lightness, low cost, biodegradability, and abundance in nature. The demand for natural fiber hybrid composites in various applications has increased recently, because of its promising mechanical properties. In this research work, the mechanical and wettability properties of reinforced natural fiber epoxy resin hybrid composites were investigated. The main aim of this research work is the fabrication of hybrid composites and exploit its importance over individual fiber composites. The composites were fabricated based on the rule of hybridization mixture (0.4 wf) of two fibers using sets of either hemp and flax or banana and pineapple, each set with 40 wt%, as well as four single fiber composites, 40 wt% each, as reinforcement and epoxy resin as matrix material. A total of two sets (hemp/flax and banana/pineapple) of hybrid composites were fabricated by using a hand layup technique. One set as 40H/0F, 25H/15F, 20H/20F, 15H/25F, 0H/40F, and the second one as 40B/0P, 25B/15P, 20B/20P, 15B/25P, 0B/40P weight fraction ratios. The fabricated composites were allowed for testing to examine its mechanical, wettability, and moisture properties. It has been observed that, in both cases, hybrid composites showed improved mechanical properties when compared to the individual fiber composites. The wettability test was carried out by using the contact angle measurement technique. All composites in both cases, hybrid or single showed contact angle less than 90°, which is associated with the composite hydrophilic surface properties. The moisture analysis stated that all the composites responded for moisture absorption up to 96 h and then remained constant in both cases. Hybrid composites absorbed less moisture than individual fiber composites.

A novel surface modification of silicon nanowires by polydopamine to prepare SiNWs/NC@NiO electrode for high-performance supercapacitor

In this article, we synthesized a ternary silicon nanowire arrays (SiNWs)-based composite electrode by a novel wet-chemical technique for the application in high-performance supercapacitors. Initially, the polydopamine (PDOP) was loaded as the modifier to enhance the surface hydrophilicity properties of the SiNWs. Meanwhile, PDOP serves as the nitrogen-doped carbon source. Subsequently, the conformal PDOP layer was used as the template to guide the preferential deposition of the nickel oxide (NiO) precursor. Finally, the SiNWs/NC@NiO composite electrode was obtained by a one-step calcination process. The existence of the N-doped carbon was characterized by the XPS and element analysis characterizations. The FE-SEM characterizations revealed the formation processes of NiO nanoflakes precursor on PDOP layer. The N-doped carbon and nickel oxide play a synergistic role in enhancing the electrochemical performance in aqueous electrolytes. The as-prepared SiNWs/NC@NiO composite electrode shows an areal specific capacitance as high as 110 mF/cm2 at the current density of 1.0 mA/cm2.

Surface Functionalization of a Polyurethane Surface via Radio-Frequency Cold Plasma Treatment Using Different Gases

Herein, the surface treatment of polyurethane (PU) films via air, O2, N2, Ar, and their mixtures were tested. The treatment was performed to incorporate new polar functionalities on the polymer surface and achieve improved hydrophilic characteristics. The PU films were subjected to RF low-temperature plasma treatment. It was found that plasma treatment immensely enhanced the hydrophilic surface properties of the PU films in comparison with those of the pristine samples; the maximum plasma effect occurred for the PU sample in the presence of air plasma with treatment time of 180 s at nominal power of 80 W. The surface topography was also found to vary with plasma exposure time and the type of gas being used due to the reactivity of the gaseous media. Roughness analysis revealed that at higher treatment times, the etching/degradation of the surface became more pronounced. Surface chemistry studies revealed increased O2 and N2 elemental groups on the surface upon exposure to O2, N2, air, and Ar. Additionally, the aging study revealed that samples treated in the presence of air and Ar were more stable in comparison to those of the other gases for both the contact angle and peel test measurements.

Selective adsorption of cesium (I) from water by Prussian blue analogues anchored on 3D reduced graphene oxide aerogel

In this paper, Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) anchored on 3D reduced graphene aerogel (denoted as 3D rGO/PBAs) was prepared, characterized and applied for adsorption of Cs(I) from aqueous solution. The results showed that 3D rGO/PBAs had high specific surface and good hydrophilic property, which was beneficial to the exposure of adsorptive sites and the transfer of adsorbates. The composite exhibited excellent adsorption performance towards Cs(I), and the maximum adsorption capacity was up to 204.9 mg/g, higher than most of reported values. The pseudo second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.999) and the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.997) could fit the adsorption process well, suggesting the nature of homogeneous monolayer chemisorption. High distribution coefficients (kd) (2.8 × 104 to 5.8 × 104 mL/g), revealed that the composite had good selectivity. Ion-exchange, ion trapping and the complexation interaction might be involved in the process of cesium adsorption, in which ion-exchange may be dominant by characterization results.

Development of tantalum with highly hydrophilic surface and antimicrobial properties obtained by micro-arc oxidation process.

Tantalum (Ta) and its application in biomaterials has been attracting more and more attention recently. It can be considered as a material for hard tissue implants. This study focuses on antimicrobial and surface characterization of micro-arc oxidized (MAO) nanocrystalline Ta compared with its microcrystalline equivalent. For the purposes of the investigation, x-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), wetting analysis, optical profilometry, corrosion resistance measurement, and antimicrobial tests were performed. Nanocrystalline Ta was fabricated using high-energy ball milling (HEBM) and pulse plasma sintering (PPS). The MAO process done at 250 V results in the formation of a porous oxide surface. An XRD analysis confirmed the presence of a Ta2 O5 oxide layer. Based on the SEM pictures, the obtained oxide layer was approximately 3-4 μm thick for nanocrystalline Ta substrate. For microcrystalline Ta, the oxide layer was thinner, in the range of 0.3-0.6 μm. The analysis of polarization curves showed a significant improvement of corrosion resistance for MAO nanocrystalline Ta (2.62 × 10-8 A/cm2 ) versus not oxidized nanocrystalline Ta (1.20 × 10-5 A/cm2 ). The surface roughness of MAO nanocrystalline Ta proved to be several times higher than that of unoxidized Ta. Wetting analysis showed that the oxide layer on the nanocrystalline substrate is hydrophilic. This research provides detailed information about MAO microcrystalline and MAO nanocrystalline Ta antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A significant decrease of S. aureus for MAO nanocrystalline Ta (control 10,435 ± 981 vs. sample 3,453 ± 130) was noticed. No significant difference was noticed for MAO microcrystalline and nanocrystalline Ta tested for P. aeruginosa.

Poly(Homopiperazine-Amide) Thin-Film Composite Membrane for Nanofiltration of Heavy Metal Ions.

The development of membrane-based technologies for the treatment of wastewater streams and resources containing heavy metal ions is in high demand. Among various technologies, nanofiltration (NF) membranes are attractive choices, and the continuous development of novel materials to improve the state-of-the-art NF membranes is highly desired. Here, we report on the synthesis of poly(homopiperazine–amide) thin-film composite (HTFC)-NF membranes, using homopiperazine (HP) as a monomer. The surface charge, hydrophilicity, morphology, cross-linking density, water permeation, solute rejection, and antifouling properties of the fabricated NF membranes were evaluated. The fabricated HTFC NF membranes demonstrated water permeability of 7.0 ± 0.3 L/(m2 h bar) and rejected Na2SO4, MgSO4, and NaCl with rejection values of 97.0 ± 0.6, 97.4 ± 0.5, and 23.3 ± 0.6%, respectively. The membranes exhibit high rejection values of 98.1 ± 0.3 and 96.3 ± 0.4% for Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions, respectively. The fouling experiment with humic acid followed by cross-flow washing of the membranes indicates that a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 96.9 ± 0.4% can be obtained.

Adsorption behavior of water molecules on the surface of lithium hydride

The theoretical analysis method is used to calculate the adsorption behavior of water molecules on the surface of lithium hydride, and analyze the influence of surface modification of lithium hydride on its hydrophobic performance. The results show that after constructing groove structure and columnar structure on LiH-111 surface and LiH-100 surface, the adsorption force to water molecules of the modified surface is stronger than that of the complete surface, indicating that the introduction of surface microstructure does change the potential energy distribution. There is a superposition of potential energy at the intersection of the walls, which strengthens the ability to adsorb water molecules, but does not cause changes in the hydrophilic properties of the surface. Water molecules can be stably adsorbed on the perfect LiH (001) surface, and its dissociation energy barrier is only 0.386 eV. This dissociation reaction can be carried out at room temperature. Water molecules are easily dissociated on the LiH surface with structural defects, which is the fundamental reason why LiH decomposes easily in a certain humidity air and water environment.

Comparative Nanofabrication of PLGA-Chitosan-PEG Systems Employing Microfluidics and Emulsification Solvent Evaporation Techniques.

Poor circulation stability and inadequate cell membrane penetration are significant impediments in the implementation of nanocarriers as delivery systems for therapeutic agents with low bioavailability. This research discusses the fabrication of a biocompatible poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) based nanocarrier with cationic and hydrophilic surface properties provided by natural polymer chitosan and coating polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG) for the entrapment of the hydrophobic drug disulfiram. The traditional emulsification solvent evaporation method was compared to a microfluidics-based method of fabrication, with the optimisation of the parameters for each method, and the PEGylation densities on the experimental nanoparticle formulations were varied. The size and surface properties of the intermediates and products were characterised and compared by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, while the thermal properties were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Results showed optimal particle properties with an intermediate PEG density and a positive surface charge for greater biocompatibility, with nanoparticle surface characteristics shielding physical interaction of the entrapped drug with the exterior. The formulations prepared using the microfluidic method displayed superior surface charge, entrapment and drug release properties. The final system shows potential as a component of a biocompatible nanocarrier for poorly soluble drugs.

In vitro study on electrospun lecithin-based poly (L-lactic acid) scaffolds and their biocompatibility

Lecithin is a natural mixture of phospholipids and neutral lipids, and plays a vital role in the maintenance of cell-membrane integrity for all of the basic biological processes.This study aimed to evaluate the adhesion and growth of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the three-dimensional (3D) electrospun lecithin-containing poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibrous scaffolds. In this study, PLLA and 0-15% of lecithin (wt.%) were dissolved in methylene chloride and thoroughly mixed to fabricate fibrous scaffolds by electrospinning technique. Surface morphology and hydrophilic properties of the scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and water uptake, respectively. The cytocompatibility of electrospun scaffolds and their potential cytotoxic effects on cells were studied over 8 days by seeding rat BMSCs on the scaffolds of PLLA containing 0-15% lecithin. Then cell proliferation was tested by CCK-8 assay and cell injury was assessed by measuring the release of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). And cell morphology was studied by Toluidine blue staining, propidium iodide staining and SEM. The hydrophilicity was dramatically increased with an increase of lecithin content in the modified PLLA/lecithin scaffolds, as determined by rate of water uptake. In addition, the results obtained from in vitro assays suggested that the electrospun PLLA/5%lecithin scaffolds could possess the optimal hydrophilicity, higher adhesion and proliferation of BMSCs than PLLA, and they also did not lead to any significant toxic effects to cells. Moreover, BMSCs on PLLA/5%lecithin scaffolds tended to maintain their phenotypic shape and integrate with the microfibers to form a 3D cellular network, indicating a favorable interaction between this electrospun lecithin-based scaffolds and cells. The study demonstrated that the electrospun PLLA/lecithin fibrous scaffolds showed much better hydrophilicity and biocompatibility by introducing lecithin into the polymer in comparison with pure PLLA, which would offer a promising strategy for constructing tissue engnineered blood vessel.

An innovative approach for iron fortification of rice using cold plasma

In the present study, an innovative cold plasma treatment was used as a tool to fortify the white rice. The amounts of ferrous sulphate and ascorbic acid were optimized for improving the bioavailability of iron. White rice samples were treated with plasma at a constant voltage of 20 kV for varying time (10 min and 15 min). The exposure time of plasma was selected based on the surface characteristics, hydrophilicity and thermal properties. Significant improvement was observed in the characteristics of hydrophilicity, surface energy, cooking time and hardness of plasma-treated rice. Plasma treated rice was fortified with the optimum concentrations of iron and ascorbic acid solution. Optimum concentrations of iron and ascorbic acid per 100 g of rice (862.93 mg and 1398.27 mg) were found by conducting experiments using Central Composite Design of Response Surface Methodology. Further, rice was blended with untreated rice in the ratio of 1:100 and 1:200 and was packed in LDPE and PP pouches and was stored at ambient temperature for further storage analysis. The in vitro bioavailability of iron was significantly higher in the plasma-treated fortified rice at both 1.35 and 7.5 pH than in the control sample, and plasma treatment significantly reduced the rate of oxidation of iron during storage.

Surface engineered alumina microfiltration membranes based on rationally constructed core-shell particles

The surface engineered alumina microfiltration membranes were directly realized based on the rationally designed core-shell particles. Specifically, a thin SiO2 layer was deposited on the Al2O3 particles, and the thus-obtained core-shell particles were then assembled on porous substrates to form the selective layer. The surface of Al2O3@SiO2 core-shell particles was demonstrated to be negatively charged. Benefiting from the SiO2 nanolayers, the membranes consisting of the core-shell structured particles showed improved surface hydrophilicity, water permeability and antifouling properties together with a well-maintained porous structure. Notably, the core-shell membranes presented increased water permeance of 1377.3 ± 18.0 LMH along with a reduction of about 10 % in organic irreversible fouling, compared with the pristine alumina membranes (927.3 ± 8.0 LMH). The surface engineering strategy based on the rationally designed ceramic powders would pave a broad avenue to fabricate highly permeable and antifouling ceramic membranes for water and wastewater treatment.

Improved permeability and antifouling properties of polyvinyl chloride ultrafiltration membrane via blending sulfonated polysulfone

To improve the permeability and antifouling properties of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane, amphiphilic sulfonated polysulfone (SPSF) was introduced into PVC matrix. Three types of PVC/SPSF blend membranes containing different SPSF with the sulfonation degree (SD) of 20%, 30%, and 50% were fabricated by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) process. The excellent compatibility between PVC and SPSF was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Surface chemical compositions, morphology, roughness, charge, hydrophilicity, permeability and antifouling properties of the pristine PVC membrane and the PVC/SPSF blend membranes were systematically compared and characterized. Due to the improved hydrophilicity and endowed negative charge, the blend membrane showed high water permeability (i.e. 880 L m−2h−1 bar−1), high bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection (i.e. 95.7%), and high flux recovery ratio (i.e. 96%), which outperformed ever reported and commercialized PVC membranes. Furthermore, the permeability and rejection properties of PVC/SPSF UF membranes were maintained after soaking in acidic and alkaline solutions for 30 days, indicating their outstanding acid and alkali tolerance. Therefore, SPSF was expected as a potential versatile modifier for fabricating high performance UF membranes.