Development of Antifouling Polysulfone Membranes by Synergistic Modification with Two Different Additives in Casting Solution and Coagulation Bath: Synperonic F108 and Polyacrylic Acid

This study deals with the development of antifouling ultrafiltration membranes based on polysulfone (PSF) for wastewater treatment and the concentration and purification of hemicellulose and lignin in the pulp and paper industry. The efficient simple and reproducible technique of PSF membrane modification to increase antifouling performance by simultaneous addition of triblock copolymer polyethylene glycol-polypropylene glycol-polyethylene glycol (Synperonic F108, Mn =14 × 103 g mol−1) to the casting solution and addition of polyacrylic acid (PAA, Mn = 250 × 103 g mol−1) to the coagulation bath is proposed for the first time. The effect of the PAA concentration in the aqueous solution on the PSF/Synperonic F108 membrane structure, surface characteristics, performance, and antifouling stability was investigated. PAA concentrations were varied from 0.35 to 2.0 wt.%. Membrane composition, structure, and topology were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of PAA into the coagulation bath was revealed to cause the formation of a thicker and denser selective layer with decreasing its pore size and porosity; according to the structural characterization, an interpolymer complex of the two additives was formed on the surface of the PSF membrane. Hydrophilicity of the membrane selective layer surface was shown to increase significantly. The selective layer surface charge was found to become more negative in comparison to the reference membrane. It was shown that PSF/Synperonic F108/PAA membranes are characterized by better antifouling performance in ultrafiltration of humic acid solution and thermomechanical pulp mill (ThMP) process water. Membrane modification with PAA results in higher ThMP process water flux, fouling recovery ratio, and hemicellulose and total lignin rejection compared to the reference PSF/Synperonic F108 membrane. This suggests the possibility of applying the developed membranes for hemicellulose concentration and purification.

Development of polymer emulsions stabilized with anionic polyelectrolytes

The colloidal-chemical principles of the formation of reversibly reversible microemulsions based on compositions of anionic polysaccharides, higher fatty acids, and nonionic polyoxyethylated surfactants have been investigated. The structural formula of the interpolymer complex in the “polyelectrolyte - surfactant” system was proposed, and the molar ratios of the components were determined. The effectiveness of the developed polymer emulsions as drilling fluids for the construction of oil wells is shown.

Interpolymer Complex of Chitosan and Eudragit L-100: Preparation, Characterization and Drug Release Behavior

Aims: The aim of the present investigation was to prepare interpolymer complex between Chitosan and Eudragit L100, and to evaluate its performance as a matrix for controlled release of drugs, using Diclofenac sodium as a model. Methodology: Interpolymer complex were prepared by combining different % chitosan solutions with different % Eudragit L100 solutions in different ratios. The formation of interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPEC) between carbopol and Chitosan was investigated, using turbidimetry and viscosity measurement. The structure of the prepared IPEC was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy and DSC. A Rotary compression press was used to formulate matrix tablets of diclofenac sodium using polymers in physical mixture and IPECs.The amount of Diclofenac Sodium released in the dissolution medium was determined spectrophotometrically at 276 nm. Results: The results of the present investigation confirmed the formation of an interpolyelectrolyte complex between Chitosan and Eudragit L 100. The release of the model drug Diclofenac sodium was significantly controlled from tablets made up of the IPEC as compared with polymers alone and in combination. Release profiles were represented by a mathematical model, which indicates that the prepared system releases drug in a zero-order manner by changing the ratio of the IPEC in the tablets. Conclusion: Controlled release drug delivery systems designed to manipulate the drug release to achieve specific clinical objectives that are unattainable with conventional dosage forms.

Thermo-Responsive Behavior of Mixed Aqueous Solution of Hydrophilic Polymer with Pendant Phosphorylcholine Group and Poly(Acrylic Acid)

A mixed aqueous solution of hydrophilic poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) becomes cloudy under acidic conditions at room temperature. The pendant carboxylic acid groups in PAAc form hydrogen bonds with the ester and phosphate groups in PMPC. While the polymers aggregate under acidic conditions, neither one associate under basic conditions because of the deprotonation of the pendant carboxy groups in PAAc. We observed that the interpolymer complex formed from PMPC, and PAAc was dissociated in aqueous solutions with increasing temperature, which is an upper critical solution temperature behavior. With increasing temperature, the molecular motion increased to dissociate the interpolymer complex. The phase transition temperature increased with increasing polymer and salt concentrations, and with decreasing pH.

The technique development of non-washing of mineral fertilizers in the soil through the screen formed on the interpolymer complex basis

The problem of global climate change is on the agenda of mankind, not only because of the average annual temperature rise on the planet but also because of changes in the entire geosystem, rising global oceans, melting ice and permanent glaciers, increasing uneven rainfall, changing river flow patterns and climate instability, other changes involved. The world pays special attention to research work to develop technologies for the management and efficient use of water resources. In particular, it is important to conduct research to develop new water-saving irrigation technologies using cheap and chemical, and technical means.