Section: Methodology and research methods. Models and forecasts
Membrane technology is a crucial tool toward technological process intensification in chemical industry. In addition
to its undeniable contribution to desalination and reuse of water, the spread of separation applications in industry could
save great part of the energy. Beyond the contribution to the environmental and economic improvement of separation
processes, the membrane manufacturing industry itself needs to minimize environmental and occupational risks, that
means meet principles of “green” chemistry. Membrane manufacturing should be developed with the reduction or elimination of hazardous compounds. The chemical processes of membrane production are linked with the use of a wide range of
solvents. A lot of organic solvents required for membrane production are classified as toxic or hazardous substances and
their use is strictly limited by law. One of the promising environmentally friendly methods of production of membranes
is the applying of “green” solvents.
As an alternative technology, it is proposed to use the freeze method, in which non-toxic dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
is used as a solvent. This technology requires less energy consumption, which also allows implementing the principles
of “green” chemistry.
Microporous membranes based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with a thickness of 100 to 250 μm was carried
out by freeze method. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was selected as the most environmentally friendly solvent for some
fluoropolymers. Porosity, permeability, wettability, physical and mechanical characteristics for obtained membranes
and their morphology were investigated.
It has been found that the most optimal concentration of PVDF in the solution is 30 wt.%. In this case the best
combination of technological and operational properties is provided. The efficiency of prepared membranes for microfiltration process was demonstrated by a suspension of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Such technology in comparison with the existing ones, is devoid of some disadvantages like using of complex equipment and high operating temperature. Freeze method does not require high energy consumption and using of toxic solvents.
ISSN 1995-4301
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