The modification of thin-film polymeric membranes by microwave radiation in a range of decimeter waves

Abstract

© 2006-2019 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN) In order to increase the efficiency of the process of membrane separation of water-oil emulsions by microfiltration and ultrafiltration, the initial membranes are modified by physical or chemical methods. Physical methods of membrane modification include, in particular, ultrasound, plasma, microwave treatment, thermal treatment, radiation treatment in various media. Surface treatment of membranes can change surface topography, reduce or increase surface energy, and sometimes remove harmful impurities. The physical treatment of membranes leads to changes in the surface properties of polymers. In this work for increasing productivity and degree of separation oil emulsion was done through modification of thin-film microfiltration membranes from nylon and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) by microwave radiation in a range of decimeter waves. The following parameters at treatment were used: capacity-1500 W, radiation frequencies-2450 MHz, temperature-24 0C, processing time-from 10 to 60 minutes. The microwave radiation treatment leads to a slight decline of membrane weights. Also after modification is increase a hydrophilic of surface of the PTFE membranes, but a hydrophilic-ylon membranes is decreased. As a result of processing microwave radiation of membranes is increasing unit treatment, both at the separation of the emulsion, the productivity is growing stronger. The degree of separation a model emulsion by nylon membrane after microwave treatment is decrease in comparison with initial membrane. The removal efficiency of oil is growing at 15% when emulsion is separated by PTFE membrane, the size of separated particles is reduced from 118 to 36 nm. Modified membranes can be used for separating an oil-in-water emulsion and oily waste water treatment.