Preparation, characterization and performance of phenolphthalein polyethersulfone ultrafiltration hollow fiber membranes

Abstract

Phenolphthalein polyethersulfone (PES-C) is potentially an excellent candidate as a membrane. This assumption is based upon its mechanical and thermal properties. Here we report the manufacture of hollow-fiber membranes using the PES-C using a dry-wet spinning technique. The influence of different hollow-fiber contact forming conditions including solvent, composition of PES-C temperature, internal quench medium extrusion pressure and winding-up velocity on the structure and properties of prepared membranes were investigated. The content of PES-C in the spinning solution affects the properties of the membranes prepared, including porosity, average pore diameter and water flux. These decrease with increasing content of PES-C. Water flux of membrane increases with casting solution temperature. When the temperature reaches 40°C, water flux is maximum while retention reaches a minimum. Furthermore, water flux increases with increasing internal quench medium extrusion pressure, while inner and outer diameters i...