Pervaporation studies of sodium alginate (SA)/dextrin blend membranes for separation of water and isopropanol mixture

► Addition of hydrophilic dextrin, a natural polymer to another natural polymer such as SA converted the SA/dextrin blend membranes more hydrophilic to achieve higher levels of dehydration of isopropanol. ► Balance between blend compatibility and hydrophilicity of the overall blend is important in achieving high permeation flux and selectivity for the dehydration of isopropanol due to induced plasticization effect of the overall blend membrane in the presence of dextrin. ► Swelling studies indicate that effect of dextrin on sorption is responsible in controlling the PV separation characteristics of SA/dextrin membranes.