Filler effect on properties of polymethyl methacrylate-based membranes for hemodialysis application

This article investigates the enhancement of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) membranes for hemodialysis through the incorporation of zeolite fillers. The study begins with the synthesis of pure PMMA and PMMA-zeolite composites via free radical polymerization, followed by the fabrication of membranes using the phase inversion technique. The characterization of these membranes involves Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), confirming the successful integration of zeolite and improved thermal stability. The thermodynamic behavior of the PMMA/DMF/water systems is analyzed, revealing that the addition of zeolite promotes larger liquid-liquid demixing zones, leading to the formation of macrovoids and an asymmetric membrane morphology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further supports these findings, showing distinct structural changes in the composite membranes. The article also explores the surface modification of these membranes using the Layer-by-Layer (LBL) technique with poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and heparin, enhancing their hydrophilicity and sodium permeation flux. The successful immobilization of heparin is verified through FTIR spectroscopy, indicating potential benefits for reducing blood coagulation during hemodialysis. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the development of advanced PMMA-based membranes with improved properties for medical applications.