Preparation and characterization of an asymmetric porous poly(vinyl chloride)/poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) membrane

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based membranes were prepared via a phase inversion method by casting a mixture solution containing PVC, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (P(MMA-MAA)), and N-methyl pyrrolidone, using water as a coagulant. Measurement of the glass transition temperature showed that a PVC/P(MMA-MAA) system is virtually miscible. Cross-sections of the membranes showed that they were asymmetrical and had fingerlike structures. Addition of P(MMA-MAA) to the PVC casting solution resulted in larger pores on the membrane surface, and the porosity and size of the finger-like pores increased as the content of P(MMA-MAA) increased. It was found that adding P(MMA-MAA) increased the porosity of the PVC membrane resulting in a higher permeation flux and hydrophilicity and lower rejection of bovine serum albumin, but a lower tensile strength and elongation at break.