Casting and characterization of cellulose acetate butyrate based UF membranes

Abstract

This paper describes the development of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes from cellulose acetate butyrate polymer (CAB). The casting conditions are studied with reference to changes in composition of the casting solution, total thickness, solvent evaporation period and gelation bath temperature (GBT). The membranes are characterized in terms of product permeation rates and solute separation using poly (ethylene) glycols (PEG) of different average molecular weights, molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), pore size distribution profiles and scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of either surface of the membrane samples. The separation behaviour of CAB membranes prepared for turbidity, colouring matter, hardness and uranyl ion from aqueous streams indicate the feasibility of their use in water and effluent treatment applications.