Improved permeate flux and rejection of ultrafiltration membranes prepared from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle waste

Abstract The vast amount of not-recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle waste is a serious threat to the environment. In order utilize waste, PET ultrafiltration membranes were prepared using as raw material by phase inversion technique. Low molecular weight glycol (PEG 400) was used additive for membranes. resin also membrane compare properties from and those resin. that showed similar characteristics such IR spectra, morphology, hydrophilicity porosity, indicating instead resin, can be utilized source polymer fabricate low-cost porosity strongly affected PEG 400 concentration. analysis morphology Scanning Electron Microscopy had an asymmetric structure consisted macroporous cross section smooth active layer. Increasing concentration resulted in smaller pore size, however increased. As result, increase both permeate flux rejection with increasing observed results experiments. Using Bovine Serum Albumin solute model feed, high values up 94% achieved. Thus, improved could addition additive.