MWCNTs Composites-Based on New Chemically Modified Polysulfone Matrix for Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a hydrophilic, non-toxic polymer useful for modifying material properties.
• Enhancing hydrophilicity is crucial for applications like water purification and blood filtration.
• Developing compatible polymer-filler systems is key to high-performance composites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize high-performance composite materials.
• To investigate the influence of polymer matrix on composite properties.
• To explore the potential of these composites for water and blood filtration.

Main Methods:

• Cross-linking of PVA with aldehyde-functionalized polysulfone (mPSF) precursor.
• Incorporation of modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (mMWCNTs) with hydrophilic groups.
• Characterization using FTIR-ATR, SEM, and contact angle measurements.
• Evaluation of hemolysis degree.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of PVA/mMWCNTs and mPSF/mMWCNTs composites with good filler dispersion.
• FTIR-ATR confirmed chemical changes and successful modification.
• Hydrophilicity was influenced by mMWCNTs content in both PVA and mPSF matrices.
• Composites showed potential for water purification and blood filtration.

Conclusions:

• The developed composite materials exhibit enhanced hydrophilicity and compatibility.
• The polymer matrix significantly influences the composite properties.
• These novel composites are suitable for advanced filtration applications in water treatment and biomedical fields.