Effect of silane treatment on eggshell powder incorporated in poly (L-lactic acid) composite membrane

ABSTRACT

The treatment of water containing oil from various industrial and environmental sources is a challenging issue. Polymeric composite membranes with reinforcing fillers have been extensively used to overcome this issue. In this study, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) incorporated with eggshell powder (ESP) composite membranes were prepared to absorb oil in water. ESP has been modified into silane-treated ESP (SESP) by using the silane coupling agent, 3-(methacryloyloxy)propyl trimethoxysilane (MPTS) to enhance the compatibility of the ESP in the membrane. The concentration of MPTS solution used to treat the ESP has been varied at 1%, 3% and 5% denoted as SESP1, SESP3, and SESP5, respectively to observe the chemical and mechanical properties of the composite membrane. Composite membranes reinforced with SESP have high deformation resistance with a modulus value of 2105.45 MPa compared to 1892.77 MPa of PLLA membrane. At 5% MPTS concentration, the membrane’s water contact angle (WCA) increased to 75°. The oil absorption ability of the composite membrane filled with SESP5 increased from ~ 14% to 71%. The use of MPTS to modify the surface of the ESP has improved the compatibility between the reinforcing filler and the polymer matrix as well as with the oil absorption capability.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Eggshell powder
• oil absorption
• poly(L-lactic acid)
• silane treatment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia [GUP-2021-043].

Notes on contributors

Rizafizah Othaman

Rizafizah Othaman is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She is currently the head of Polymer Research Center and the CEO of ChemSci Sdn. Bhd. She earned PhD in Chemical Engineering from Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan. Her research focuses on polymeric sorbent including membrane and adsorbent for various applications. She has published numerous papers in reputable journals and has presented at several international conferences. She is committed to advancing the field of polymeric sorbent through innovative research and collaboration.

Siti Nurzubaida Shahdan

Siti Nurzubaida Shahdan is a postgraduate student at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, pursuing a Master’s degree in Chemistry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Technology from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Her current research focuses on developing a biodegradable composite membrane for oil and water separation. She has previously presented her work at Malaysia Polymer International Conference 2023 (MPIC 2023) and contributed to several publications. These experiences have solidified her interest in research and motivated her to continuously expand her knowledge and skills.

Nurul Amni Abdullah

Nurul Amni Abdullah serves as a lecturer at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perak, Malaysia and is currently a PhD candidate in the field of Chemistry. She holds a MSc in Chemistry from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia. Her research delves into aspects of colloid science and surface chemistry, focusing on polymer composites, including polymeric sorbents, for enhanced membrane performance in water remediation applications. She has disseminated her findings through publications in reputable journals and presentations at international conferences and symposiums. Through innovative research and strategic collaborations, she is dedicated to driving progress in polymer composites and composite membranes.

Farah Hannan Anuar

Farah Hannan Anuar is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She is also the head of the Chemical Technology Program, an undergraduate course in UKM and the chief marketing officer of ChemSci Sdn. Bhd. She earned her PhD in Chemistry from the University College of Dublin, Ireland. Her research focuses on polymer synthesis, specifically on copolymer synthesis, biodegradable polymers, block copolymers, and polylactic acid. Farah has published numerous papers in reputable journals and has presented at several international conferences. She is exploring innovative applications of new polymers in cosmeceutical products.

Azizah Baharum

Azizah Baharum is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and the chief operational officer of ChemSci Sdn. Bhd. She earned her PhD in Chemistry from the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany. Her research focuses on materials and polymers, specifically polymer and composite processing, as well as surface and interface treatment. Azizah has published numerous papers in reputable journals and has presented at several international conferences. She is committed to advancing the field of smart packaging through innovative research and collaboration.