Cellulose acetate containing CaO coated on polypropylene for enhanced thermal stability of separator

Abstract

In this study, cellulose acetate (CA) and calcium oxide was used to manufacture an CA–CaO separator with high thermal stability and was then coated on polypropylene (PP). The high melting point of CaO and the complexation of CaO and carbonyl groups in CA increased the thermal stability of CA. Because PP is known to have a higher mechanical stability than CA, the CA–CaO separator was coated twice on the PP support, increasing the stability of the entire separator. Adhesion was imparted between the CA film and the PP film without a separate adhesive due to the swelling effect of the solvent and the water pressure treatment, and pores were even formed by the pressure. Water flux data showed that cellulose acetate containing CaO coated on polypropylene (CA–CaO on PP) obtained a relatively high flux value of 71.67 L m⁻² h⁻¹ (LMH) at a pressure of 8 bar. Through thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared data, it was confirmed that the surfaces of two polymers were bonded and the stability was improved.