Fabrication, Characterization and Permeation Studies of Ionically Cross-linked Chitosan/Kaolin Composite Membranes

This paper presents the successful preparation of porous membranes based on chitosan with enhanced mechanical, thermal and chemical properties applicable in water treatment field. Herein, chitosan/kaolin composite a cross-linking agent porogen were prepared using solvent casting method. The characterization as-fabricated indicated that combined effect kaolin as reinforcing agent, polyethylene glycol pore former citric acid cross-linker matrix showed significant influence membrane properties. results incorporation hydrophilic porogenic reagent into collodion addition to providing morphology makes it possible obtain more membrane, thus induces an increase pure permeability. cross-linked exhibited improved resistance, better mechanical compared neat films. had mean size 50 nm falling range ultrafiltration. Their functional determined terms filtration molecular weight cut-off tests.