Solvent-resistant Membrane Based on UV Cross-linking of Styrene Functionalized Polyphenylsulfone Prepared by Heck Reaction

In the present investigation, styrene functionalized polyphenylsulfone (SPPSU) was prepared by reaction of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) with styrene via Heck reaction. Nanofiltration composite membranes were prepared using crosslinkable styrene-PPSU and the crosslinking reaction performed via UV exposure. Irgacure 2959 and methylenebisacrylamide were added in styrene-PPSU to perform crosslinking reaction. Nanofiltration membranes were tested for Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Nucleation Magnetic Resonance (NMR), thermal properties, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and filtration experiments. FT-IR and NMR studies confirmed the substitution of styrene moiety into PPSU main-chains. SEM analysis confirmed the deposition and uniformity of toplayer onto the support. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated a decrease in the glass transition temperature of styrene-PPSU. The performance of the membranes changed slightly for acetone and toluene while iso-propanol and n-hexane were completely stable after solvent exposure.

Keywords:

Membrane , Heck reaction , Nanofiltration , UV cross-linking