Zeolite Lab Report

1.0 PROJECT TITTLE

This research is to study and analyze The Effect of Zeolite Addition towards Polymer Mixed Matrix Membrane.

2.0 INTRODUCTION Membrane is a selective barrier that allows some things to pass through but stops certain things such as molecules, ions or other small particles. Basically, the concept of membrane is a thin layer (semi-permeable film) with different structure that capable to separate two fluids. The material of a membrane is manufactured from a synthetic polymer which is call synthetic membrane. For some cases, ceramic or metallic membrane also may be available for separation process. One of the polymeric material that have been used widely in separation field is polysulfone (PSF). Polysulfone ultrafiltration

Zeolite have a porous structure that can accommodate a wide variety of cations such as 〖Na〗^+, K^+, 〖Ca〗^(2+) and others. These positive cations are rather loosely held and can readily be exchanged for other in a contact solution. Some of the minerals zeolites are analcime, chabazite, clinoptilolite, heulandite and natrolite. Furthermore, zeolites widely used as ion-change beds in domestic and commercial water purification and softening. In addition, it is also have potential of providing precise and specific separation of gases including the removal of H20, CO2 and SO2 from low-grade natural gas streams. Other separation include noble gases, N2, O2, Freon and formaldehyde.

3.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT A Polysulfone was chosen as a membrane material. Polysulfone (PSF) has been used as a polymer for commercial microfiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membrane because of its desirable good mechanical, high thermal and its chemical stability. However, PSF membrane application is limited due to its hydropobic properties which results in low water flux and membrane fouling. Thus, to overcome this problem, a chemical reaction of zeolite as additive is used to modify the membrane surface and performance.

3.0

To analyze the performance of Polysulfone (PSF) membrane mixed with Zeolite additives.

4.0 SCOPE OF STUDY

The scope of this project are: To study the physical properties and characteristic of fabricated membrane. Develop PSF membrane by immersion phase inversion process and investigate the effect of added additive towards phase inversion mechanism. Characterize the fabricated membrane via FESEM, FTIR, XRD, density meter and porosity measurement. Performance test of the fabricated membrane via permeability test and rejection test. Study and analyze the effect of zeolite additive towards PSF membrane.

5.0 SYNOPSIS A synthetic membrane is a synthetically created membrane which is usually intended for separation purpose in laboratory or in industry. Synthetic membranes have been successfully used for small and large-scale industrial processes since the middle of twentieth century. Synthetic membrane can be fabricated from a large number of different materials. It can be made from organic or inorganic materials including