Abstract
Ph.D. (Chemistry)
This thesis describes the modification of polyamide thin-film composite (TFC)
membranes with amino- and diethylamino-cyclodextrins (CDs) using an interfacial
polymerisation process. An in situ modification procedure was carried out using
different concentrations of amino functionalized CDs (α-CDs and β-CDs)
dispersed in m-phenylenediamine in water. These aqueous solutions were then
reacted with trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on polyethersulphone (PES) ultrafiltration
support membranes. Contact-angle measurements of the modified polyamide TFC
membranes demonstrates improved hydrophilic properties due to additional –OH
functional groups from the CDs. The incorporation of the amino- and diethylamino-
CDs within the membrane selective layer improved water permeability, which was
rationalised by the increased hydrophilicity and additional water channels in the
modified membranes...