PERVAPORATION SEPARATION OF ETHANOL-WATER MIXTURES BY ZEOLITE-FILLED POLYMERIC MEMBRANES

The incorporation of zeolites into rubbery polymers has been shown experimentally to enhance both the permeability and selectivity in pervaporative separation of organic compounds from water Pervaporation is a promising membrane technique for separation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) /water mixtures. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in different areas as an elastomer or a sealant. In this study, homogeneous PDMS membranes and mixed membranes were prepared by solution casting technique by introducing hydrophilic or hydrophobic zeolites into the polymer matrix. The prepared membranes were tested in a laboratory scale pervaporation experimental set-lip. The effects of experimental parameters such as the type and composition of zeolites on permeation flux and separation factors were investigated When tested on ethanol/water mixtures, the zeolite-filled membrane of hydrophobic origin was found to give much higher selectivity for ethanol compared to that of hydrophilic nature such as the 3 A type.