Preparation of antibacterial polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes with direct addition of N-halamine polymers

In this study, novel antibacterial ultrafiltration polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) flat sheet membranes were produced with addition of synthesized N-halamine polymers. The ternary phase diagrams of PVDF and the synthesized polymers with N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and water systems were prepared. The water flux and BSA rejection performances of the produced membranes were assessed both with and without PVP addition, and compared with a commercial membrane. The produced membranes were characterized with FTIR, XPS, DSC, and SEM analysis. Addition of N-halamine polymers to the membrane structure significantly improved the biocidal performance of the produced membranes against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (10(5) CFU).