Preparation, characterization and performance of polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes

Asymmetric ultrafiltration (UF) membranes were prepared from locally made w holly aromatic polyethersulfone (PES) polymer, similar to Vitrex type, usin g aprotic solvents and organic additives by phase inversion method. The eff ect of nature of additive, solvent, ambient humidity during membrane castin g and gelling medium on membrane performance were studied. The membranes we re characterized in terms of separation behaviour far polyethylene glycol-5 000 solute, molecular weight cut off (MWCO) profile and direct electron mic roscopic observations. The performance of UF membranes for sodium sulfate, rhodamine-B dye and oligomers of starch hydrolyzate are reported as a funct ion of pressure.