Ceramics-Silikáty 53, (4) 250 - 253 (2009)

The incorporation of zeolites into rubbery polymers has been shown experimentally to enhance both the permeability and selectivity in pervaporative separation of organic compounds from water. Pervaporation is a promising membrane technique for separation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) /water mixtures. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is widely used in different areas as an elastomer or a sealant. In this study, homogeneous PDMS membranes and mixed membranes were prepared by solution casting technique by introducing hydrophilic or hydrophobic zeolites into the polymer matrix. The prepared membranes were tested in a laboratory scale pervaporation experimental set-up. The effects of experimental parameters such as the type and composition of zeolites on permeation flux and separation factors were investigated. When tested on ethanol/water mixtures, the zeolite-filled membrane of hydrophobic origin was found to give much higher selectivity for ethanol compared to that of hydrophilic nature such as the 3 A type.