Studies on Cellulose Acetate/Low Cyclic Dimmer Polysulfone Blend Ultrafiltration Membranes and their Applications

• Published in: Separation science and technology 2006-09, Vol.41 (13), p.2895-2912
• Main Authors: Arthanareeswaran, G., Latha, C. S., Mohan, D., Raajenthiren, M., Srinivasan, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: blend membranes; Cu/PEI complex ion rejection; metal ion separation; molecular weight of PEG; Ultrafiltration
• ISSN: 0149-6395; 1520-5754
• DOI: 10.1080/01496390600786192

Flat sheet ultrafiltration membranes from cellulose acetate (CA)/low cyclic dimer polysulfone (LCD PSf) were prepared by a phase inversion method. N, N′-Dimethyl formamide and different molecular weight of polyethylene glycol (PEG 200, PEG 400, and PEG 600) were used as solvent and pore-forming additive, respectively. The membranes were characterized in terms of pure water flux, water content, porosity, membrane hydraulic resistance, and morphology. The pure water flux was found to reach the highest value of 181.82 Lm −2 h −1 at 5 wt.% PEG of 600 molecular weight and 10 wt.% LCD PSf content in the blended solution for membrane preparation. SEM micrographs indicated that the addition of PEG into the CA/LCD PSf solution changes the inner structure of the membrane. The influence of filtration time and applied pressure on membrane permeability was examined by copper/polyethylenimine complex rejection studies. With increase in filtration time, the rejection of the copper/polyethylenimine complex decreased and the results were discussed.