Preparation and characterization of polyethersulfone microfiltration membrane by 2-methoxy ethanol nonsolvent additive

Microfiltration membranes were prepared from aromatic polyethersulfone (PES) polymer, using aprotic solvent (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, NMP) and non-solvent additive (2-methoxy ethanol, 2-ME) by the phase inversion co-process of the vapor-induced phase inversion (VIPI) and the nonsolvent-induced phase inversion (NIPI). According to the change of the additive amount, the solvent amount and the relative humidity, membrane characterization was studied. The non-solvent additive in casting solution played an important role in membrane morphology. During the vapor-induced phase inversion, the relative humidity led to water sorption on the surface of casting dope at which pore formation was generated. The prepared membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope observations, measurements of capillary flow porometer and pure water flux (PWP). Also the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of membrane-forming system were studied through coagulation value, light transmittance and viscosity.