Fabrication, Characterization and Permeation Studies of Ionically Cross-linked Chitosan/Kaolin Composite Membranes

Authors

  • Sonia Bouzid Rekik
    Affiliation
    European Institute of Membranes (IEM), University of Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, Cedex 5, 34095 Montpellier, France
    Laboratory of Advanced Materials, National School of Engineering, University of Sfax, P. O. B. 1173, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia
    Bioengineering, Tissues and Neuroplasticity, EA 7377, Faculty of Health, Université Paris-Est Créteil Val de Marne, 8 rue du Général Sarrail, 94010 Créteil, France
  • Sana Gassara
    Affiliation
    European Institute of Membranes (IEM), University of Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, Cedex 5, 34095 Montpellier, France
  • Jamel Bouaziz
    Affiliation
    Laboratory of Advanced Materials, National School of Engineering, University of Sfax, P. O. B. 1173, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia
  • Semia Baklouti
    Affiliation
    Laboratory of Materials Engineering and Environment, National School of Engineering, University of Sfax, P. O. B. 1173, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia
  • Andre Deratani
    Affiliation
    European Institute of Membranes (IEM), University of Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, Cedex 5, 34095 Montpellier, France
https://doi.org/10.3311/PPch.21253

Abstract

This paper presents the successful preparation of porous membranes based on chitosan with enhanced mechanical, thermal and chemical properties applicable in water treatment field. Herein, chitosan/kaolin composite membranes with a cross-linking agent and a porogen were prepared using the solvent casting method. The characterization of the as-fabricated membranes indicated that the combined effect of kaolin as reinforcing agent, polyethylene glycol as pore former and citric acid as cross-linker in a chitosan matrix showed a significant influence on the membrane properties. The results indicated that the incorporation of a hydrophilic porogenic reagent into the collodion in addition to providing a porous morphology makes it possible to obtain a more hydrophilic membrane, and thus induces an increase in the pure water permeability. The cross-linked membranes exhibited an improved water resistance, better thermal and mechanical properties as compared to neat chitosan films. The cross-linked membranes had a mean pore size of 50 nm falling in the range of ultrafiltration. Their functional properties were determined in terms of pure water filtration and molecular weight cut-off tests.

Keywords:

ultrafiltration membrane, biopolymer/inorganic mixed matrix, citric acid, pore size determination

Citation data from Crossref and Scopus

Published Online

2023-05-23

How to Cite

Rekik, S. B., Gassara, S., Bouaziz, J., Baklouti, S., Deratani, A. “Fabrication, Characterization and Permeation Studies of Ionically Cross-linked Chitosan/Kaolin Composite Membranes”, Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 67(2), pp. 256–270, 2023. https://doi.org/10.3311/PPch.21253

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