Date of Last Revision
2023-05-02 23:49:13
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2017
Abstract
Alternate methods for the filtration of sea water are in high demand due to high operating costs, inefficiency, and a shortage for the supply of potable water. The ability of PVDF fiber mats to adsorb NaCl from sea water and the effects of polarization were assessed. The fiber mats were produced by electrospinning and were characterized at 1-10 mm. The batch adsorption of NaCl in the PVDF mats showed physical adsorption of salt as the % increase in mass on the average was 47%. Over the different residence times, the adsorption results did not converge to a saturation point implying the adsorption was a physical process. This observation aligns with the NaCl falling back into solution when treated with DI water. The polarization process done was not effective in creating polarity. However, it was shown that there is an increased capture ability when the mats were subject to static charge, thus implying polarization of the mats may be effective. The durability of the mats, capture efficiency, and attributed pressure drop for a PVDF filter would be of curiosity. This work showed a potential for polarized PVDF to be an effective adsorbent to NaCl.
Recommended Citation
Pribonic, Michael, "Electrospinning and Polarization of PVDF Fiber Mats for Adsorption of NaCl" (2017). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 540.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/540