EFFECT OF POLYVINYLPYRROLIDONE ADDITIVE ON THE PORE SIZE AND THE PORE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF POLYETHERSULFONE (VICTREX) MEMBRANES

Abstract

Investigations were made on the effect of the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) additive in the casting solution on the performance of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes in the range of PVP/PEs weight ratio below 0.5. It was further attempted to investigate the effect of PVP additive on the size of PES polymer in the casting solution and the pore size and the pore size distribution of PES membranes. It was found that the presence of PVP additive decreases both the polymer size and the membrane pore size. Discussions were made on the mechanism of the formation of the pore based on the correlation between the polymer size and the pore size.

KEYWORDS:

• Polyvinylpyrrolidone
• Pore size distribution
• Polyethersulfone membrane
• Interfacial tension
• Polymer surfactant.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

TAKESHI MATSUURA

To whom correspondence has to be directed

S. SOURIRAJAN

Current address: IMRI, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ont. Canada KIN 6N5.