Structural and Morphological Characterization of Strontium Ferrite-Ethylcellulose Nanocomposite for Application in Membrane Technology

Among many possible fields of application, membrane technology is very valuable for biological and medical purposes. As a young field with high potential for further expansion, it is of great interest for researches. This chapter presents preparation and characterization of magnetic nanocomposite membranes. Ethylcellulose-strontium ferrite (EC-SrFe12O19) nanocomposites were prepared via solvent casting method with applied low magnetic field. In order to identify morphological and topological changes induced by membrane processing, scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were performed. Orientation of nanoparticles and formation of two-phase structure caused by the influence of magnetic field were observed. Infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transformation (FTIR) was used to prove the stability of starting components during processing of nanocomposite membrane. Nanoparticles’ high reinforcing potential was proved by micro Vickers method and tensile test. Modulus of elasticity in EC-SrFe12O19 samples has increased up to 135%, compared to pure EC. The permeability of magnetic nanocomposite membranes was tested by monitoring the output pressure change of the nitrogen/oxygen mixtures, as well as pure nitrogen, using custom-made laboratory device. This technique also enabled investigation of membranes’ mechanical performance by following changes in permeability with the pressure for each sample. Orientation of magnetic SrFe12O19 nanoparticles led to a formation of highly reinforced membranes that have potential application in membrane technology.