Effective modeling and optimization of PVDF–PTFE electrospinning parameters and membrane distillation process by response surface methodology

ABSTRACT Ploy(vinylidene fluoride)–polytetrafluoroethylene nanofibrous membrane fabrication and direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) process were simulated and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Analysis of variance was applied to develop and verify the models that predict the objectives. The three‐dimensional response surfaces of different objectives were obtained. Results showed that the membrane with thickness of 70.7 μm, contact angle of 146.2°, and liquid entry pressure of 53.5 kPa was obtained within investigated experimental range under the optimum electrospinning conditions. Rejection rate of 99.99% and the permeate flux of 67.5 kg m −2 h −1 were gained under the optimum membrane distillation (MD) process parameters. The actual and predicted values show good consistency verifying the accuracy of the models. In addition, an overall investigation of the influence of heat‐press temperature on the morphological and mechanical properties of electrospun membrane was carried out. Results indicated that electrospinning process and MD performance can be enhanced after the corresponding variables were optimized by RSM. This study provides a scientific way to optimize the electrospinning and DCMD parameters. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136 , 47125.