Optimized Ultrafiltration Membrane Based on Acrylic Fiber Waste for Organic Compounds Removal from Wastewater

This study reports the development of an optimized tight ultrafiltration (UF) membrane prepared from recycled acrylic fiber (polyacrylonitrile, PAN) waste for the efficient removal of organic pollutants from water. Membranes were fabricated using different concentrations of acrylic fiber waste to examine the influence of polymer content on their morphology and performance. The prepared membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosity measurements, contact angle analysis, and mechanical strength testing to evaluate their structural and physicochemical properties. Among the tested formulations, membrane M4, containing 22.5 wt.% acrylic fiber waste, shows the most balanced performance, high mechanical integrity, and good surface hydrophilicity, with a contact angle of about 52° and porosity of 27%. The optimized M4 membrane demonstrates excellent pure water flux of 65 LMH. M4 achieves a flux recovery ratio (FRR) above 80%. Its performance was further evaluated for the removal of humic acid (HA) and paracetamol as a model of organic contaminants. The results also demonstrate strong chemical stability under acidic and basic conditions, highlighting the potential of recycled acrylic fiber waste as a sustainable polymer source for high-performance tight UF membranes. This approach offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for water purification and pharmaceutical contaminant removal.