Produção e caracterização de membranas microporosas assimétricas usando poliestireno com carvão ativado

Abstract

The present work had as objective to study the production of membranes with polystyrene, coming from plastic cups, and activated carbon. The membranes were prepared using a phase inversion technique in which different polymer/solvent concentrations, spreading thicknesses (0.23 mm and 0.47 mm) and different solvent types were tested (1-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone - PRD and N, N-Dimethylformamide - DMF). The PRD was most suitable for a manufacturing of the membranes, providing better dissolution and casting solution of the polymer. The casting solution thickness in which as membranes obtained better pore formation and better mechanical properties was 0.47 mm. Different proportions of polyethylene glycol 300 (PEG300) and activated carbon in the composition of the membranes were also tested. The best parameters for membranes production (polymer dissolution, casting solution and pore formation) were obtained using 20% polyethylene glycol 300, and 1% and 2% activated carbon. It was concluded that activated carbon influenced the formation of pores, water permeability and polyethylene glycol 300 and polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000) rejection.