Pervaporative recovery of tetrahydrofuran from water with plasticized and filled polyvinylchloride membranes

Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PPVC) membranes were prepared by incorporating 20, 25 and 30 wt% of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) plasticizer in the matrix of PVC. Filled PPVC membranes were prepared by incorporating 1, 2 and 3 wt% bentonite clay in the PPVC membrane containing 25 wt% of DOP. The membranes were characterized by FTIR, DTA-TG, XRD, SEM and mechanical properties. These membranes were used for sorption and pervaporation of 1–18 wt% tetrahydrofuran (THF) in water. The preferential sorption of the organophilic membranes were analyzed in terms of thermodynamic interaction parameters. The permeability and the diffusion coefficient of the solvents were determined.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide