Cross-linking of dehydrofluorinated PVDF membranes with thiol modified polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and pure water flux analysis

Abstract

Porous poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) membranes often undergo compaction in pressure driven water treatment, contributing to a reduction in water flux. Here, compaction resistance was tested by cross-linking dehydrofluorinated PVDF (PVDF with alkene functionality) with a synthesized thiol modified polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (thiol POSS) at 0–10 wt% via UV catalyzed thiol-ene addition. Analysis of these microfiltration membranes showed an increase in the Young's modulus from 36.60 ± 1.85 MPa (0 wt% thiol POSS) to 54.60 ± 1.97 MPa (10 wt% thiol POSS), correlating to improved mechanical properties. The pure water flux (PWF) of the membranes was found to increase with 1 wt% thiol P..