resumo
For the first time, ultrafiltration (UF) green membranes were prepared through a sustainable route by using PLA as a biopolymer and dihydrolevoclucosenone, whose trade name is Cyrene (TM) (Cyr), dimethyl isosorbide (DMI), and ethyl lactate (EL) as biobased solvents. The influence of physical-chemical properties of the solvent on the final membrane morphology and performance was evaluated. The variation of polymer concentration in the casting solution, as well as the presence of Pluronic (R) (Plu) as a pore former agent, were assessed as well. The obtained results highlighted that the final morphology of a membrane was strictly connected with the interplaying of thermodynamic factors as well as kinetic ones, primarily dope solution viscosity. The pore size of the resulting PLA membranes ranged from 0.02 to 0.09 mu m. Membrane thickness and porosity varied in the range of 0.090-0.133 mm of 75-87%, respectively, and DMI led to the most porous membranes. The addition of Plu to the casting solution showed a beneficial effect on the membrane contact angle, allowing the formation of hydrophilic membranes (contact angle < 90 degrees), and promoted the increase of pore size as well as the reduction of membrane crystallinity. PLA membranes were tested for pure water permeability (10-390 L/m2 h bar).
palavras-chave
POLYOXYALKYLENE BLOCK-COPOLYMERS; ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANES; PORE STRUCTURE; WATER; FABRICATION; LACTATE
categoria
Polymer Science
autores
d'Ayala, GG; Marino, T; de Almeida, YMB; Costa, ARD; da Silva, LB; Argurio, P; Laurienzo, P
nossos autores
Anna Raffaela de Matos
Investigador Júnioragradecimentos
The authors acknowledge the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brazil, for supporting the mobility of de Matos Costa and Bezerra da Silva. The authors would like also to thank Maria Cristina Del Barone for the technical support in the use of SEM equipment.