Preparation and Characterization of Tubular Composite Membranes and their Application in Water Flow Measurements
The latest technologies require materials with combination of properties that are not usually found in conventional materials. Organic-inorganic hybrid materials emerge as alternatives to the synthesis of low cost new functional materials. The constituent polymer-clay nanocomposites are intended effectively for the treatment of oily effluents. The removal of oily effluents was evaluated using composite membranes with different nanocomposite percentages, consisting of a mineral clay BrasgelTM smaller than 2 μm and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The sample of clay was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), while the membranes by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The produced composite membranes efficiencies were evaluated by continuous flow for 1 hour. The results clearly confirmed that membranes incorporated with a higher percentage of nanocomposites achieved greater stability and less time as assessed in water flow.