Characterization of Dragon Blood Resins and Their Potential as Modifying Agents for Hydrophobic Membranes

Abstract

Hydrophobic membranes often have fouling problems; thus, surface modification is required to increase membrane hydrophilicity. This can be achieved by the addition of materials containing hydrophilic groups, such as dragon blood resin (DBR). This study aims to identify the properties of DBR that are critical for the modification of hydrophobic membranes. The DBR used is a grade A resin from the species Daemonorops draco Blume. DBR was characterized by analyzing its functionalities, morphology, elemental composition, surface charge and antimicrobial activity. The results show the presence of hydroxyl groups, including O-H, C-O and C=O functions, along with the elemental composition of oxygen, nitrogen and silica, as well as a negative charge (-44.42 mV). These are expected to contribute positively to the improved hydrophilicity of the membrane. However, DBR does not exhibit antibacterial activity against E. coli, therefore the addition of DBR is limited to enhance antifouling properties of membranes. The results are useful as a primary knowledge for the modification of hydrophobic membranes based on biomaterial.