Effect of dense CO2 on polymeric reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes and permeation of mixtures of macauba oil (Acrocomia aculeata) and CO2

Changes in membrane roughness and in contact angles were observed for all membranes after sub and supercritical CO2 treatments. Moreover, the surface free energy and the polar component showed a decrease after CO2 exposure, confirming an increase in surface hydrophobicity of membranes detected from contact angle results. This empowerment of hydrophobicity is associated mainly with the CO2-polymer interaction. Other intra and interchain effects should not affect the thermal stability leaving TGA results unchanged after CO2 exposure. ORAK and NP030 membranes showed high macauba oil retentions; 95% and 85%, respectively in supercritical condition. This latter revealed to cause important changes in the membranes due to the higher solubility of CO2 in polymeric matrix at this condition. However, the selectivity was not changed and it is possible to use commercial polymeric membranes in supercritical systems for CO2 regeneration and partial fatty acid fractioning.