Ultrafiltration membranes based on Polysulfone and Polyacrylic acid blend as an alternative technique for conventional water pretreatment
Dr. Mohamed Said
Dr. Mohamed Saidis an expert in Quality Management, Data Analysis, and Analytical Chemistry, with over 20 years of experience in the industrial sectors. He currently serves as QC General Manager at Abu Qir Fertilizers, where he leads the quality control function and oversees ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories, ensuring reliable testing and full compliance with international standards.
He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and has contributed to international conferences and scientific publications. He is a Certified Carbon Footprint Consultant, a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (University System of Georgia), a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (IQF), a PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP®), a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), and a Data Analysis Professional certified by Udacity and Google.
With a distinguished career progressing from Laboratory Analyst to Quality Manager, Dr. Said is a recognized leader in quality management and data-driven decision-making. He brings deep technical expertise and a proven track record in driving excellence, operational performance, and compliance within complex laboratory environments.
Recognized as a technical expert by the Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC), Dr. Said plays a pivotal role in assessing testing and calibration laboratories against ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. His contributions span a wide range of sectors, including research institutions, universities, and industrial laboratories, where he supports the advancement of technical competence and international best practices.
In addition to his industrial leadership, Dr. Said is an active trainer and consultant in Quality Management, Data Analysis, and Analytical Chemistry. He is a top-rated Udemy instructorand a scientific content creator on YouTube, reaching thousands of learners worldwide, where he shares practical, application-focused insights.
Abstract
Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes based on a polysulfone (PSF) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) blend were developed as a potential alternative to conventional coagulation–precipitation systems for raw water treatment at Abu Qir Fertilizers Company (AFC) and similar industrial utilities.
The UF membranes were fabricated via the phase inversion method using dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent. Successful immobilization of PAA within the PSF matrix was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the membranes possess a characteristic asymmetric structure.
The feed water used in this study was natural water sourced from the Mahmoudia Canal, a branch of the Nile River. The membranes exhibited a permeate flux of 120 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹ under ambient operating conditions. Hydrophilicity, as indicated by contact angle measurements, improved with PAA incorporation, reaching 66°. Mechanical testing demonstrated good tensile strength, with values up to 7.2 MPa.
In terms of performance, the membranes achieved turbidity rejection of 98.4%, hardness ion retention of 56.8%, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal of 65%. Additionally, the developed UF membranes reduced chemical dosing requirements, enhanced fouling resistance, and minimized sludge generation.
These results highlight the potential of the fabricated membranes as an efficient and sustainable solution for raw water treatment under practical operating conditions.
