Filters play a vital role in development of environmentally friendly processes. Cellulose provides a biodegradable and versatile alternative for synthetic filter materials. In this study, different kinds of nanocellulosic materials were utilized to prepare stimuli-responsive filters for water purification. Nanocellulosic materials were prepared mechanically from unmodified and TEMPO-oxidized pulp. TEMPO-oxidized cellulose contains a high amount of carboxylic groups, which can be used to scavenge metal ions. Nanocelluloses were grafted using N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) to introduce temperature-responsive functionalities. Poly(NIPAM) is a temperature-responsive polymer, which undergoes a change in hydration state at 32 �C. Solvent casting and coating methods were evaluated for preparation of free-standing and support material-based filters, respectively. Filter stability, permeate flux, morphology and particle and ion retention were characterized.

Preparation and evaluation of temperature-responsive nanocellulose based filters

245th National Meeting (2013)

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