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Abstract

PVDF-HFP flat sheet asymmetric membranes were prepared via phase inversion technique with N, N dimethyl acetamide (DMAc) as solvent. In this study polyethylene glycol (PEG Molecular weight 10,000) was utilized as additive at different compositions (0.0 - 10 wt. %) and deionized water was used as a coagulant bath. The structure and morphology of the resulting membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), FTIR, XRD, as well as measurements of contact angle, porosity, pore size and viscosity. The SEM images very clearly indicate that all membranes are of asymmetric structure and the porosity is increased with increased PEG additive. Additionally, the membranes’ crystallinity was found to be less than its pure state of PVDF-HFP. It was also found to decrease with increased PEG as additive. Finally, the results gave the best interpretation of the influence of PEG as additive on the properties and structure of the relevant membrane.