(373h) Production of Nanofiber Membranes Using Centrifugal Spinning

Nanofibers that are formed into nonwomen mats can be utilized as a separation medium in membrane-based technology, considering their high separation efficiencies and relatively low costs. Additionally, their small diameter, high surface-to-volume ratio, high porosity, and unique mechanical behavior, as well as their ability to efficiently capture nanoparticles, provide promising opportunities for water and wastewater treatment. In this project, a centrifugal spinning (CFS) setup was designed, built, and operated to develop centrifugal nanofiber membranes. The designed CFS includes two nozzles that are mounted on a DC motor and a series of collector posts that can be placed at different radial distances. Different ultrahigh weight polymers, including dissolved polyethylene glycol (PEO) and polystyrene (PS 208) at different concentrations, are spun under similar conditions. The design and proper spinning parameters, including nozzle-collector distance, nozzle diameter, and rotational speed of the centrifuge, were investigated to control and investigate the structure, morphology, and strength of the nanofiber. The centrifugal fibers later follow a thermal post-treatment to increase their packing density, and graphene oxide will be used to improve the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the centrifugally spun membranes. The performance of CFSs will be compared to commercial membranes (PES and PVDF) and electrospun membranes (ESMs). The properties and performance of CSMs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), filtration process for particles removal and bacteria removal, FTIR spectra, and Storm 860 Molecular Imager for determination of the presence of bacteria cells on the surface of the membranes.