INFLUENCE OF COPPER OXIDE NANOPARTICLES ON UV AGING RESISTANCE AND THERMAL DEGRADATION OF SULFONATED POLY (1, 4-PHENYLENE ETHER ETHER SULFONE) MEMBRANE

The purpose of this study is to synthesize multifunctional membranes based on poly(1,4-phenylene ether ether sulfone) (PEES). PEES has good thermal, optical, electrical, and antimicrobial properties. Copper oxide nanoparticles reinforced in a PEES matrix. These reinforced membranes have a unique structure and properties that influence the thermal stability and UV protection compared with neat PEES. The PEES chain structure and composition of the copper oxide were shown to be associated with the degradation behavior. Since PEES is a hydrophobic polymer, it does not have good interaction with copper oxide nanoparticles. The resultant polymer chain was functionalized with H2SO4 to improve the hydrophilic nature and better dispersion of copper oxide nanoparticles in PEES. The concentration of copper oxide nanoparticles was varied in the sulfonated PEES matrix. The weight loss upon degradation was positively correlated with the concentration of copper oxide nanoparticles. The concentration of nanoparticle ratio varied, which dramatically changed the UV shielding properties of PEES. Copper oxide has potential electron correlation effects, high-temperature superconductivity, spin dynamics, and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the sulfonated poly (1,4-phenylene ether ether sulfone) (SPEES) copper oxide membrane has improved thermal and optical properties.