Separation of Diethyl Phthalate From Water by Pervaporation

Abstract

Seventeen different kind of membranes - based on Matrimid, Ultem polymers and DAM/DABA - were prepared and applied for pervaporation of diethyl phthalate from water. They were compared to the commercial materials like PDMS, PP and PS. The components of active layer played a crucial role on membrane process. Newly prepared membranes showed an exceptional sorption capacity (up to 100 %) comparing to the commercial membranes (around 20 %), all by reaching equivalent pervaporation results of all tested membranes (close to 40 %). The fastest permeation was achieved by raising the temperature to 50 °C with PDMS membrane, reaching total elimination of DEP. Diethyl phthalate was preferentially passing through the membranes due to dissimilar affinity of the separation materials.