Sains Malaysiana 55(5)(2026): 858-866

http://doi.org/10.17576/jsm-2026-5505-08

 

Development of PCL/PEG/TIO₂ Composite Membranes for Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms: A Preliminary Insight

(Pembangunan Membran Komposit PCL/PEG/TIO₂ untuk Mitigasi Ledakan Alga Berbahaya: Suatu Pandangan Awal)

 

HUSNA SOPHEA HASZLIHISHAM¹, NORMAWATY MOHAMMAD NOOR², SAIFUL ARIFIN SHAFIEE¹ & MOHAMAD WAFIUDDIN ISMAIL^1,*

 

¹Department of Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

²Department of Marine Science, Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

 

Diserahkan: 5 Ogos 2025/Diterima: 4 Mei 2026

 

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have emerged as a significant environmental issue, threatening aquatic biodiversity, human health, and economic stability. Conventional mitigation methods, such as chemical, physical, and biological treatments, present several drawbacks, including secondary pollutants and ecological disruption. Photocatalytic degradation using titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles offers a promising alternative due to its oxidative capability and stability. However, TiO₂ nanoparticles often agglomerate, reducing effectiveness and complicating recovery. To overcome this, immobilizing TiO₂ nanoparticles onto polymeric supports has gained attention. In response to these challenges, this study developed a novel composite membrane by immobilizing TiO₂ nanoparticles onto a biodegradable polymeric matrix composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) blended with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The composite membranes were fabricated using a modified phase inversion method, and different molecular weights of PCL were evaluated to identify the optimal formulation. The results demonstrated that incorporating PEG significantly improved membrane hydrophilicity, surface porosity, and overall functional performance, enabling effective interaction with algal cells. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful integration of TiO₂ and PEG, maintaining structural integrity. TGA indicated enhanced thermal stability with increasing TiO₂ content, highlighting the contribution of inorganic filler to improved thermal resistance. The optimized PCL/PEG/TiO₂ composite membrane formulation (1:0.2:0.2 ratio) exhibited superior mechanical stability and maintained structural coherence during application. This novel approach provides an environmentally sustainable and efficient solution for HAB management in eutrophic water bodies.

Keywords: Harmful algal bloom; polycapolactone; polyethylene glycol; titanium dioxide

 

Abstrak

Ledakan alga berbahaya (HABs) telah berkembang menjadi isu alam sekitar yang signifikan, mengancam kepelbagaian biologi akuatik, kesihatan manusia dan kestabilan ekonomi. Kaedah mitigasi konvensional seperti rawatan kimia, fizikal dan biologi mempunyai beberapa kelemahan, termasuk penghasilan pencemar sekunder dan gangguan ekologi. Degradasi fotokatalitik menggunakan nano zarah titanium dioksida (TiO₂) menawarkan alternatif yang berpotensi kerana keupayaan pengoksidaannya dan kestabilan yang tinggi. Walau bagaimanapun, nano zarah TiO₂ sering mengalami pengaglomeratan yang mengurangkan keberkesanannya dan menyukarkan proses pemulihan. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, teknik pengimobilisasian nano zarah TiO₂ pada penyokong polimerik telah mendapat perhatian. Sebagai tindak balas kepada cabaran ini, kajian ini telah membangunkan membran komposit baharu dengan mengimobilisasikan nano zarah TiO₂ pada matriks polimer biodegradasi yang terdiri daripada campuran poli (kaprolakton) (PCL) dan polietilena glikol (PEG). Membran komposit ini telah difabrikasi menggunakan kaedah inversi fasa yang diubah suai dan pelbagai berat molekul PCL telah dinilai bagi mengenal pasti formulasi yang optimum. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa penambahan PEG telah meningkatkan sifat hidrofilik, porositi permukaan dan prestasi fungsi keseluruhan membran, membolehkan interaksi yang lebih berkesan dengan sel alga. Analisis FTIR mengesahkan integrasi TiO₂ dan PEG tanpa mengganggu integriti struktur. Analisis TGA pula menunjukkan peningkatan kestabilan terma seiring dengan peningkatan kandungan TiO₂, membuktikan sumbangan pengisi inorganik terhadap rintangan haba yang lebih baik. Formulasi membran komposit PCL/PEG/TiO₂ yang dioptimumkan pada nisbah 1:0.2:0.2 menunjukkan kestabilan mekanikal yang tinggi dan mengekalkan koherensi struktur semasa aplikasi. Pendekatan inovatif ini menyediakan penyelesaian lestari dari segi alam sekitar dan berkesan untuk pengurusan HAB dalam persekitaran air eutrofik.

Kata kunci: Ledakan alga berbahaya; polietiline glaikol; polikaprolakton; titanium dioksida

 

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*Pengarang untuk surat-menyurat; email: wafisnj@iium.edu.my