Abstract:
Purpose: Investigate the hydrophobic, superhydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of
Alumina (Al2 O 3 ) and Magnesium (Mg) nanoparticles.
Design/methodology/approach: This research was conducted by SEM-EDX analysis
of Magnesium and Alumina nanoparticles, observation of gas bubbles when droplets of
water contact with membrane surfaces, measurement of surface roughness and detection
of Hydrogen gas production using Gas Chromatography. There are eleven compositions
(Al2 O 3 :Mg) membranes used in this study, namely: (0:100; 10:90; 20:80; 30:70; 40:60; 50:50;
60:40; 70:30; 80:20; 90:10; and 100:0).
Findings: Successfully found an alloy membrane between Alumina (Al2 O 3 ) and Magnesium
(Mg) nanoparticles in the composition of Mg:Al2 O 3 (0:100%) having Hydrophobic properties;
Mg:Al2 O 3 (50:50%) has Superhydrophobic properties and Mg:Al2 O 3 (100:0%) has hydrophilic
properties. Three conditions occur when H2 O droplets come in contact with the membrane
layer, namely: hydrophobic conditions when the trapped gas pressure is smaller than the
droplet pressure. Superhydrophobic conditions when the trapped gas pressure is equal to
the droplet pressure. Hydrophilic conditions occur when the trapped gas pressure is greater
than the droplet pressure.
Research limitations/implications: This research is limited to the hydrophobic nature
of Nano Alumina (Al2 O 3 ) and Magnesium (Mg) membrane particles.
Practical implications: Superhydrophobic properties are very suitable to be applied to
membranes that are useful for destiny.
Originality/value: The novelty of this study is to find the right mixture of nanoparticles
of Alumina and Magnesium in a composition that is capable of creating hydrophobic,
superhydrophobic and hydrophilic properties.
