Combined effects of hollow fiber fabrication conditions and casting mixture composition on the properties of polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes

This study is focused on identifying the combined effects of fabrication conditions and casting mixture composition on the properties of hollow fiber (HF) membranes. Three variables evaluated are air gap (d(gap) = 0 and 2.5 cm); coagulation bath temperature (Tc = 25 degrees C; 35 degrees C; 45 degrees C) and molecular weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone (MWPVP = 10; 40; 65; 360; 1000 kDa). Prepared HF membranes were characterized in terms of specific permeate flux; surface morphology, charge and hydrophilicity; bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection, Young modulus, and resistance to fouling by BSA. We illustrate that both higher Tc and higher MWPVP are required to achieve optimal membrane morphology and performance.