In this paper, a novel nanocomposite forward osmosis membrane (nTiO2-CTA/CA) was fabricated by introducing nanotitaniumdi oxide (nTiO2) into the cellulose triacetate/cellulose acetate (CTA/CA)-based casting solution using phase inversion methods. Casting composite and preparation--nTiO2 content, blend temperature and coagulating bath temperature--were tested for their effects on pure water flux and salt rejection of membranes. Results revealed that the FO membrane prepared under optimized composition showed excellent desalination performance (high water flux = 5.38 L/m2·h and salt rejection > 97 %). Moreover, SEM images showed that addition of nTiO2 resulted in nanocomposite forward osmosis membrane with a smoother surface. The contact angle of the membranes decreased from 76o to 51° with increase nTiO2 concentration from 0% to 0.10%.

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The dispersion of CNTs in NR and the interaction of CNTs/NR as well as the influence of CNTs on properties of NR used for tire tread were investigated by SEM, mechanical test and DMA analysis. The modified CNTs were thought to have better interaction with NR and higher dispersion than the unmodified one by the SEM and cure parameter analysis. And the addition of modified CNTs into the NR vulcanizate for tire tread improved the tear strength, modulus and anti-abrasion as well as the heat build-up when the formulation was adjusted.