A study on structure and properties of poly(p-phenylene terephthamide) hybrid porous membranes

Poly(p-phenylene terephthamide) (PPTA) hybrid porous membrane has been fabricated via a solution phase inversion method for the first time. The mixtures of PPTA/PEG/PVP/SiO2/H2SO4 were used in this study. Membranes' corresponding ultrafiltration performances were characterized in terms of pure water flux, porosity, contact angle, mechanical strength, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and rejection rate. The morphologies of PPTA hybrid porous membranes were observed by a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The results showed that the PPTA hybrid porous membrane was a kind of asymmetrical membrane. The dissolved pore-creating agents brought about the fibrillar micro-void structure on the lower surface. The performances of PPTA hybrid porous membrane were obviously affected by the addition of SiO2 particles. It was found that the permeability, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength and rejection substantially increased with the promotion of the appropriate contents of SiO2. The rejection rate of ovalbumin reached more than 90%, while the oil/water emulsion reached more than 80%. What is more, the flux recovery ratio of them could also reach above 90%, which shows excellent anti-fouling property.