THE DETERMINATION OF DIFFUSION PARAMETERS OF SWOLLEN POLYVINYL-ALCOHOL MEMBRANES FROM THE MODIFIED SOLUTION DIFFUSION EQUATION

A modified solution diffusion equation is proposed for testing solvent diffusion rate and transport properties which describe the hydraulic permeation of water through swollen polyvinyl alcohol membranes. Polyvinyl alcohol membranes were prepared by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde, terephthalaldehyde and heat treatment. Hydraulic permeation of water through these membranes was measured as a function of pressure for temperature ranging from 20-degrees-C to 40-degrees-C. By this equation it is easy to determine the transport parameters without knowing the form of the swelling equation. This equation, applied to three swollen polyvinyl alcohol membranes, was found to fit the greater part of the transport. The data and modified solution diffusion equation appear to be in very good agreement.