Preparation and Characterization of Silicone Rubber Membrane

Pervaporation membrane with preferential permeation for organic compounds over water was prepared and characterized. Selection of membrane material and the effects of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), cross-linker, and catalyst concentrations on performances of pervaporation membrane at room temperature were discussed. In addition, the time of cross-linking, and the kinds of basic plate in the process of preparation were tested. The formulation of pervaporation membrane material was determined. Through the characterization of membrane by infrared spectrometry(IR), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and X-ray diffraction(XRD), it is proved that the structures and characters are suitable for the pervaporation process. Experiments also demonstrate that the permeate flux and separation factor are suitable for the process.