DIFFUSION TESTING AND DEVELOPMENT OF A WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM USING BIODEGRADABLE CROSSLINKED POLYMERIC FILMS

In this particular study, several polymeric films composed of polyvinyl alcohol and ionic liquid modified clays were crosslinked in the presence of glutaraldehyde to develop a water filtration system. The goal was to create a functional, biodegradable, environment friendly filtration system in which water contaminants such as dye could easily be removed from a potential water source. Throughout this study, several tests were conducted in order to fully understand how each clay modifier would affect the swelling characteristics of the film, the crystalline and melting characteristics of the film, and finally the diffusion of ions or dye through the film. It was concluded that these components were vital when attempting to understand and develop a potential water filtration system because each modification maintained differing diffusion trends regarding dye removal. Furthermore, by removing contaminates such as dye from a polluted water source, this study exemplified how other hazardous aromatic hydrocarbons could possibly be removed on a grander scale. All analyses regarding both clay and film modifications were completed using DSC, ISE, X - ray diffraction, and UV - Vis.