Factors for improving the performance of the separation membranes prepared by the blending of polyvinyl alcohol and a water absorbing agent

This study investigated different factors to improve the separation performance of membranes composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a water absorbing agent. The effects of the compositional differences and additive addition to the prepared membranes on the separation performance were evaluated for the separation of CO(2)and He at P(total)values of 0.1 and 0.7 MPa at 60 degrees C and 85 degrees C, respectively. The compatibility of the additives and resistance to heat and pressure of the employed membrane materials contributed to the separation performance. Specifically, at 60 degrees C, compared with the membrane without additives, the separation performance of the membrane containing the additives improved. In addition, the separation performance of the membrane prepared with a higher proportion of the water absorbing agent was better than that of the membrane with a greater proportion of PVA. This trend was not observed for the experiments at 85 degrees C. Thus, basis the results of these experiments, the factors for improving the separation performance of membranes based on PVA and the water absorbing agent were identified.

Automated summary

This study investigated the factors to improve the separation performance of PVA and water absorbing agent membranes, finding that additive compatibility and heat and pressure resistance of the materials are crucial. Additives significantly enhanced separation performance at 60°C, while membranes with more water absorbing agent performed better than those with higher PVA content.