AGNIQUE AMD 3L as green solvent for polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane preparation

With the advent of the green chemistry concept novel, innocuous, biodegradable solvents require introduction in industrial processes. N,N-dimethyl lactamide (AGNIQUE AMD 3L) represents a bio-based, biodegradable, label-free polar, protic solvent. In this article, AGNIQUE AMD 3L is introduced as novel solvent for preparation of polyethersulfone (PESU) nonsolvent-induced phase separation ultrafiltration membranes using polyvinylpyrrolidone or poly(ethylene oxide) as second dope additives. Analysis of Hansen solubility parameters indicates good solvent-polymer interactions for polymer dope compositions required for PESU membrane manufacturing. Depending on the process conditions, PESU ultrafiltration membranes with hydraulic permeability values up to 610 kg m(-2) x bar x h and molecular weight cutoff value of 20 kDa were obtained. Scanning electron microscope of membrane cross sections reveals perfect defect-free, asymmetric morphologies. As a result, AGNIQUE AMD 3L provides a new alternative as replacement for polar, aprotic solvents employed in membrane manufacturing so far. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48419.