Separation of tomato aroma compounds from binary model solutions using PEBA and EPDM membranes in pervaporation: Comparison of membranes performance and investigation of temperature effect

Abstract

AbstractThe pervaporation separation of four important aroma compounds of tomato juice (1‐hexanol, hexanal, 2‐heptenal, and 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one) was investigated. Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and polyether block amide (PEBA) membranes were fabricated and applied to treat binary model solutions containing one of the aroma compounds in water. Results showed that at 25°C, PEBA membrane had higher total flux, organic flux, and pervaporation separation index (PSI) than EPDM membrane, while EPDM performed better in terms of separation factor. For PEBA, the highest total flux (395.93 g/m2hr) was observed in separating 1‐hexanol, and for EPDM, the highest total flux (116.82 g/m2hr) was seen in treating 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one/water at 25°C. Furthermore, the impact of feed temperature on pervaporation performance was investigated. A rise from 25 to 45°C increased the total and organic fluxes for both of the membranes. The separation factors of PEBA and EPDM changed differently with temperature; higher temperatures led to improved separation factor for PEBA and reduced separation factor for EPDM. Moreover, increased feed temperature improved PSI for both membranes, while the change was more significant for PEBA.Practical applicationsIn this study, for the first time, tomato aroma compounds have been separated from their aqueous solutions in a pervaporation process. The findings obtained by the present research can be employed by any plant which processes tomato enabling them the use of aroma compounds in order to reach value added products and therefore increase worth of processing outputs.