ABSTRACT
Flat-sheet membranes from poly(vinylidenefluoride) (PVDF) were prepared by the phase inversion process. LiCl was used as a modifying agent. The porosity, maximum pore size and LEPW (liquid entry pressure of water) were determined. Three types of these membranes were tested as a support for n-decanol supported liquid membranes (SLM). Transport of eight amino acids, selected to cover a wide variety of side chains, and of phenylalanine methyl ester through n-decanol SLM were studied. The ability of amino acids to permeates through these membranes depends on the type of flat-sheet PVDF used as a support. An increase in porosity and pore size of the microporous matrix resulted in an increase of amino acids hydrochlorides flux. Strong dependence of amino acids transport on their structure was observed. Fluxes of amino acids with hydrophobic side chains were ˜100 times higher than those found for hydrophilic amino acids. The stability for three SLMs prepared with n-decanol immobilized in PVDF flat-sheet polymers was examined. The life time varied with the type of membrane support Membrane with small pores tends to have a longer life time than those with greater pore size.