Zeolite-filled regenerated cellulose membranes for pervaporative dehydration of glycerol

Regenerated cellulosic membranes were prepared by dissolving linter pulp in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) solution with four different cellulose concentrations (3, 5, 8 and 10 wt. % cellulose) at three different coagulation temperatures (5, 25 and 50 degrees C). Zeolite 13 X with an average particle size of 310 nm and Zeolite 4A with an average particle size of 270 nm were added during dissolution. The resulting composite membranes were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Pervaporation performances of the zeolite filled and unfilled regenerated cellulose membranes were tested for glycerol/water mixture.