Abstract
In this study, polymer membranes were prepared by the melt processing, based on a polycarbonate (PC)/polyamide (PA6) blend, using PC as the matrix phase and PA6 as the dispersed phase. Moreover, nanocomposite membranes were also prepared by the melt processing on the basis of a PC/PA6/nanoclay blend. The permeability of polymeric membranes was calculated using theoretical models. On the other hand, the permeability of PC/PA6/nanoclay nanocomposite membranes was measured by an isochoric method. Then the results were compared. The cross-sectional morphology of the prepared membranes was observed by SEM. The surface roughness of the samples was measured by AFM. Results showed that the levels of porosity and surface roughness of membranes decreased with increase in PA6 concentration. According to the results, an increase in permeability is observed, with increase in PA6 concentration, and PC/PA6 benefit blend for prepared membrane to increase selectivity and performance. With the addition of nanoclay to the blend, the degree of porosity and the free volume decreased, and the roughness in membrane also decreased; in fact, a decrease in permeability is observed when nanoclays are added.