Functionalization of aramid/polypropylene composite membranes with chitosan-magnetite nanocomposites for superior performance
Javaria Kanwal, Sara Musaddiq
, Duncan H. Gregory, Alishba Naz, Sajjad Ahmad, Sadia Iqbal, Saikh Mohammad Wabaidur, Ayman A. Ghfar
, Duncan H. Gregory, Alishba Naz, Sajjad Ahmad, Sadia Iqbal, Saikh Mohammad Wabaidur, Ayman A. GhfarVol. 20., No.9., Pages 870-884, 2026
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2026.65
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2026.65
Corresponding author: Saikh Mohammad Wabaidur 
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
We developed nanomaterial-functionalized composite membranes (APM-1 to APM-3) using aramid fabric enclosed between two isotactic polypropylene (PP) layers. Membranes were created and porosity was produced within the structure by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). The embedded nanomaterials, chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) and magnetite nanoparticles (MG-NPs), were prepared via green routes, while chitosan/magnetite (CS/MG) nanocomposites were synthesized chemically. The formation of CS-NPs, MG-NPs, and CS/MG nanocomposites was confirmed through UV/visible spectroscopy. Moreover, the crystallite size of the nanomaterials was estimated with the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. We also used Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR) to ensure the successful integration of nanomaterials into the membrane matrix. The surface morphologies were observed and the presence of micropores was confirmed in the membranes by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical analysis showed that the fabricated membranes have excellent structural integrity and durability under operational conditions. Contact angle measurements confirmed the enhanced hydrophilicity of the modified membranes, which plays a crucial role in improving water transport and desalination performance. The salt rejection and flux characteristics of the membranes were tested in a custom-made filtration cell. Our results revealed that APM-3, functionalized with CS/MG nanocomposites, exhibited a 94% desalination efficiency against NaCl with a high permeate flux rate of 40.00 L/(m2·h). The outstanding stability and hydrophilicity of our novel composite membranes, coupled with their remarkable efficiency, make them an ideal choice for desalination.
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