Surface modification of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofibrous microfiltration membrane

Abstract

Electrospinning has gained an increasing appeal in recent years and is capable of creating sub-micron to nanoscale fibers through an electrically charged jet of polymer solution/melt. These electrospun fibers have been explored in various applications such as scaffolds for tissue engineering, drug delivery carrier, biosensor/chemosensor, reinforced nanocomposite and electronic and semi-conductive materials. However their use in liquid separation is still at infancy. The main focus of the thesis would be to develop a high flux asymmetric microfiltration electrospun nanofibrous membrane (ENM) through surface modification. Another aspect of the thesis would explore the potential of ENM in separating microparticles. It is anticipated that the modified ENM would have smaller surface pores as compared to a non modified ENM. Hence this surface modified ENM would be capable in separating smaller sized particles.