Preparation, characterization and applicability of cellulose acetate-polyurethane blend membrane in separation techniques

Abstract

The characteristics of blend membrane, prepared from cellulose acetate and polyurethane, were investigated in order to compare its properties with membrane material from pure cellulose acetate and polyurethane. Attenuation of total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was utilised to investigate structural properties of membranes. Membranes morphology and its thermal properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis methods (thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis and derivated thermogravimetric analysis). Besides, swelling degree, membrane permeability, diameter of membrane pores, its thickness and stability as the function of pH of prepared blend membrane were determined. The applicability of prepared blend membrane was tested by using of aqueous solutions of new textile dye and its complex with iron(III) ions in order to test its suitability for wastewater treatment. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.