Preparação e modificação de membranas tubulares de polietileno de ultra alto peso molecular (PEUAPM) sinterizadas.

Abstract

Membranes obtained by sintering of UHMWPE powders were manufactured aiming at their use in effluent treatment. The membranes were sintered at different times and temperatures and their performance in aqueous effluent particle removal were investigated. An factorial experimental planning and response surface analysis was employed to evaluate the effects of sintering time and temperature in the performance of the membranes. This study was conducted on samples having the smallest particles size, i.e., with powders that passed through a 200 mesh sieve. Higher sintering times and temperatures led to smaller permeate flow through membranes and temperature effects were more significant than those of time. Membranes compaction after sintering leads to lower permeate flows and porosities, although the average pore sizes do not change. Two routes were used to modify the internal surface of the membranes: a) HDPE film deposition and b) methane plasma modification.These modifications were made with membranes prepared with UHMWPE powder as received from supplier and passed through a 200 mesh sieve. Both treatments caused reductions on the membranes superficial pore sizes. Plasma treatment minimized the “fouling” phenomenon, while the best efficiency in solid particle removal from water dispersions was found for the membrane internally coated with a HDPE film. Best overall performances were displayed by the membranes prepared with UHMWPE grade 3041 sieved though a 200 mesh sieve. The results indicate that the UHMWPE can be used to prepare low cost micro-filtration membranes to remove solid particles present in aqueous effluents.