Preparation and characterization of HY zeolite-filled chitosan membranes for pervaporation separation

A novel zeolite (HY)-filled polymeric chitosan membrane was prepared. The m embrane was characterized by wide-angle X-ray diffraction and a swelling te st. The pervaporation (PV) experiments were also performed for an ethanol-w ater system. The results showed that the crystalline structure of chitosan was damaged with increase in the zeolite content, indicating a strong inter action between the HY zeolite and chitosan. The separation factor of the et hanol-water mixture by PV was improved by the filling zeolite. When the HY zeolite content in the membrane was 20 mass %, the separation factor reache d the maximum and remained constant during the PV process. (C) 2000 John Wi ley & Sons, Inc.