Improved antifouling properties of Polyether sulfone membrane by Pluronic F-127 additive for hemodialysis application

Hemodialysis is a process of purifying the blood of a person whose kidneys are not working normally. Polyethersulfone membrane has the most application in blood purification because of its unique features, but its hydrophobic nature results in poor biocompatibility. When PES-based membranes are contacted with blood, proteins tend to adsorb onto the polymer surface, and this protein layer causes any adverse effects such as the coagulation of blood cells and platelet adhesion. The biocompatibility of pristine PES membrane can be improved by different modification methods. The aim of this research is to improve polyethersulfone (PES) membrane hydrophilicity and antifouling properties by adding pluronic F-127, poly(ethylene oxide)−poly(propylene oxide)−poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) block copolymer, to the dope solution. In this regard, PPO hydrophobic molecules are bound to PES chains due to hydrophobic–hydrophobic interactions, and membrane hydrophilicity would be improved because of hydrophilic PEO segments. To investigate the effect of adding pluronic F-127 on membrane performance, water contact angle, mechanical properties and filtration tests were carried out. Membranes morphology were characterized by SEM microscopy. Results showed that the addition of pluronic F-127 to the polymeric solution caused permeate flux increase up to 554 L/m²h due to membrane pore size growth and contact angle decrease. Moreover, addition of pluronic F-127 caused a decrease in the tensile strength of the PES/Pluronic F-127 membranes. PES/Pluronic F-127 membranes have improved fouling resistance compared to the pristine membrane.