Extraction and quantitation of total cholesterol,dolichol and dolichyl phosphate from mammalian liver

A procedure is described for the determination of total cholesterol, dolichol and dolichyl phosphate (Dol-P) in mammalian liver. It is based on extraction of these compounds into diethyl ether after alkaline saponification of the tissue. Extractability is affected by the length of saponification and concentration of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in the saponification mixture. After extraction, total cholesterol and dolichol are quantitated directly by reverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) on C₁₈. Dol-P requires further purification before quantitation by HPLC, this is accomplished by chromatography on silicic acid. These methods gave recoveries of over 90% for cholesterol and dolichol and about 60% for Dol-P, using [4-¹⁴C]cholesterol, a polyprenol containing 15 isoprene units, and [1-¹⁴C]Dol-P as recovery standards. Concentrations of total cholesterol, dolichol and Dol-P in livers from one month-old-CBA mice were found to be 5.7±0.7 mg/g, 66.3±1.2 μg/g and 3.7±0.3 μg/g, respectively.     

HIGH WATER ABSORBENTS FROM LIGNOCELLULOSES. I. EFFECT OF REACTION VARIABLES ON THE WATER ABSORBENCY OF POLYMERIZED LIGNOCELLULOSES

Hydrogels of 350 water-absorbency (g H₂O₂/g sample) and 900 water-keeping capacity (mL H₂O₂/g sample) were prepared from local lignocellulosic wastes. The wastes used are rice straw, sugar-cane bagasse, and cotton stalks. These hydrogels were prepared via graft–polymerization reaction using some vinyl monomers, followed by alkali hydrolysis. The effects of grafting parameters (concentration of both initiator and monomer, temperature, and time), purity of lignocellulose sample, type of monomer, pretreatment of lignocellulose, and manner of saponification reaction were examined.

The application of such polymeric materials as soil conditioners, by following the pore size distribution of sand soil, in comparison with conventional soil conditioners (e.g., natural organic fertilizer and clay), were also evaluated.     

The effects of emulsified polydimethylsiloxane FG‐10 on the oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) and lipase production by Staphylococcus warneri EX17

BACKGROUND: In this study the effects of the addition of emulsified polydimethylsiloxane (PMDS) FG‐10 on the oxygen transfer coefficient (k_La) of submerged cultures of Staphylococcus warneri EX17 and its lipase production is described. FG‐10 is an emulsified silicone capable of dissolving 50 times more oxygen than water. The combined effects of FG‐10 concentration and different conditions of agitation were optimized in bioreactors using statistical design tools, and the cultures were run using raw glycerol from biodiesel synthesis as the sole carbon source. RESULTS: The optimal conditions found to improve lipase production were FG‐10 concentration of 11.2% (v/v) and speed agitation of 527 rpm, respectively, producing around 861 U L^?1 of lipolytic activity, a maximal cell concentration of 8.4 g L^?1, and a k_La of 99 h^?1, values that are approximately 3 times higher than cultures without FG‐10. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report in the literature on the use of this class of chemicals as oxygen carriers in microbial cultures and its effect on k_La and lipase production, demonstrating the potential use of FG‐10 in microbial cultures. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of absorbent in solid‐phase extraction on quantification of phospholipids in palm‐pressed fiber

Palm‐pressed fiber (PPF) is a by‐product of palm oil milling and it has been found to contain a high percentage of phospholipids (PL). The aim of this work was to evaluate the best solid‐phase extraction (SPE) method to purify PL from PPF. The purified PL were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an evaporative light‐scattering detector (ELSD). The oil was extracted from PPF using the Folch method and classes of PL were purified using SPE. Different solvent phases and normal‐phase SPE cartridges [silica (Si), aminopropyl‐bonded silica (NH₂) and diol‐bonded silica (2OH)] at the same ratio of oil to sorbent mass were used to study the separation of PL from the extracted oil. The recovery of each standard PL was performed in a model oil system with the same amount of standard PL being added, and the repeatability of the SPE method was investigated. The isolation of PL by SPE diol cartridge and subsequent analysis by HPLC/ELSD have shown to be an accurate and reproducible analytical method for the determination of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine in PPF. This method provided a high yield and rapid separation of PL in PPF with less contamination from other lipid groups.     

Gel,thermal, and X‐ray diffraction characterization of virgin,scrapped polyethylene and its blends

The characterizations of virgin and scrapped polyethylene samples (VPE and SPE) and VPE/SPE blends were studied using different analytical techniques. The obtained data regarding crosslink density demonstrated that the radiation‐induced crosslinking of VPE, SPE, and VPE/SPE samples increased as a result of increasing irradiation dose, blending VPE with SPE, and loading the VPE/SPE blend with trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA). The use of differential scanning calorimetry technique was aimed at revealing the effect of sample composition (VPE, SPE, and VPE/SPE) and also the effect and type of irradiation on the melting temperature (T_m) and the heat of transformation (ΔH_f). The melting temperature and heat of transformation increased with increasing either irradiation dose or loading the polymeric samples with TMPTA. In addition, the application of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the degradation characteristics of the polymeric samples in terms of onset temperature (T_i), temperature at maximum weight loss (T_s), and activation energy (E_a). The TGA results showed that the irradiation (EB and γ‐rays) and loading of polymeric samples with TMPTA led to a thermally stable polymeric matrix with higher T_i, T_s, and E_a values. The blank SPE sample or those blend rich in SPE matrix were highly thermally stable than that blank VPE one. The X‐ray diffraction investigation illustrated that VPE samples undergoes phase transformation between orthorhombic, monomclinic, and/or hexagonal as a result of irradiation. POLYM. COMPOS. 27:709–717, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Design of a probe based on poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐vinylferrocene)‐coated Pt electrode for electrochemical detection of PTEN gene in PCR amplified samples from prostate tissues

In this study, a new probe based on immobilization of amino linked oligonucleotide (NH₂‐linked DNA) on poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐vinylferrocene)‐coated Pt electrode was fabricated for the electrochemical detection of PTEN gene from human prostate tissues. The experimental parameters such as DNA immobilization time, DNA concentration, and target concentration were optimized. The selectivity of the NH₂‐linked DNA probe was assessed with mismatch (MM) and noncomplementary (NC) sequences. The applicability of the NH₂‐linked DNA probe to the PCR amplified samples correspond to PTEN gene from prostate tissues was evaluated. The immobilization of DNA on the copolymer was confirmed by FTIR, AFM, CV and DPV analysis. The PCR products were also identified by using agarose gel electrophoresis. The prepared probe indicated a linear range (10–100 μg mL^?1) with a detection limit (4.7 μg mL^?1) and a good selectivity of the NH₂‐linked DNA probe toward target DNA sequence. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40638.     

Application of polysaccharide hydrogels in adsorption and controlled‐extended release of fertilizers processes

This article studied the applicability of poly(acrylamide) and methylcellulose (PAAm‐MC) hydrogels as potential delivery vehicle for the controlled‐extended release of ammonium sulfate (NH₄)₂SO₄ and potassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄) fertilizers. PAAm‐MC hydrogels with different acrylamide (AAm) and MC concentrations were prepared by a free radical polymerization method. The adsorption and desorption kinetics of fertilizers were determined using conductivity measurements based on previously built analytical curve. The addition of MC in the PAAm chains increased the quantities of (NH₄)₂SO₄ and KH₂PO₄ loaded and extended the time and quantities of fertilizers released. Coherently, both loading and releasing processes were strongly influenced by hydrophilic properties of hydrogels (AAm/MC mass proportion). The best sorption (124.0 mg KH₂PO₄/g hydrogel and 58.0 mg (NH₄)₂SO₄/g hydrogel) and desorption (54.9 mg KH₂PO₄/g hydrogel and 49.5 mg (NH₄)₂SO₄/g hydrogel) properties were observed for 6.0% AAm–1.0% MC hydrogels (AAm/MC mass proportion equal 6), indicating that these hydrogels are potentially viable to be used in controlled‐extended release of fertilizers systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Purification Process,Physicochemical Properties,and Fatty Acid Composition of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus) Larvae Oil

This study presented a refining process and reported on fatty acid composition and the physicochemical properties of the oil from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). Crude larvae oil was purified through four steps consisting of degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization. Optimum degumming conditions that give the highest phospholipid weight and oil consisted of water concentration of 7% (v/v), followed by addition of H₂SO₄ at a concentration of 0.5% (v/v). Optimum conditions for saponification that maximize saponification value and free fatty acid (FFA) value were 0.4 mg NaOH/100 g oil, 1 hour, and 80 °C of NaOH quantity, reaction time, and temperature, respectively. The oil was then dehydrated using 10 mg Na₂SO₄/g oil. The bleaching process that gives maximum oil yield consisted of activated carbon at concentration of 5% (w/w), followed by centrifugation at a speed of 5000 rpm (radius = 86 mm) for 30 min. The contents of lauric acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid in purified oil were 28.8%, 11.1%, and 0.4%, respectively. Physicochemical properties of the refined oil included viscosity of 96 ± 0.14 cP (measured at 20 °C), FFA value of 0.45 ± 0.017%, acid value of 0.9 ± 0.043 mg KOH g⁻¹, saponification value of 215.78 mg KOH g⁻¹, iodine value of 53.7 gI₂/100 g, and peroxide index of 133 mEq kg⁻¹.     

Separation of Zinc Ions from an Acidic Mine Drainage using a Stirred Transfer Cell–Type Emulsion Liquid Membrane Contactor

Abstract

This is a report on the separation and recovery of zinc ions from an acidic mine drainage using a stirred transfer cell‐type emulsion liquid membrane contactor. Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid was used as a highly selective carrier for the transport of zinc ions through the emulsified liquid membrane. A study was made of the effect on the extraction extent and initial extraction rate of the following variables: pH and initial metal concentration of the feed phase, carrier content in the organic solution, a stripping agent concentration in the receiving phase, and stirring speed in the transfer cell. The content of sulfuric acid as a stripping agent did not show in the studied range any significant influence on metal permeation through the SLM, although a minimum hydrogen ion concentration of 100 g/L is suggested in the internal aqueous solution to ensure an acidity gradient between both aqueous phases to promote the permeation of metal ions toward the strip liquor. Results show that using a pH of 4.0 in the feed acid solution, a concentration of 3% w/w_o of phosphoric carrier in the organic phase and a H₂SO₄ content of 100 g/L in the strip liquor, the extent and rate of extraction through the liquid membrane can be highly favored, pointing to the potential of this method for extracting heavy metals from many kinds of dilute aqueous solutions.     

Alkyl amine functional dextran macromonomer‐based thin film composite loose nanofiltration membranes for separation of charged and neutral solutes

Thin film composite (TFC) nanofiltration membranes with defined porous structure of the separation layer are desirable for the concentration of neutral solute and separation of salts from a mixture. Herein, we report the formation of TFC membranes composed of polyamide (PA) separation layer by the interfacial polymerization between new dextran‐butyl amine (Dex‐NH₂) macromonomer and trimesoyl chloride on polysulfone support membrane. The membranes prepared with 1%–1.5% (wt/vol) of Dex‐NH₂ exhibited water permeance of 110–116 L m^?2 h^?1 MPa^?1 with 62%–71% rejection of Na₂SO₄ and 12%–14% rejection of MgCl₂. The membranes also showed about 91% rejection of poly(ethylene glycol) of molecular weight 2000 g/mol and about 11% rejection of NaCl. A decrease in permeance and ions selectivity was observed with increasing concentration of Dex‐NH₂. The dextran chains attached to the PA network restrict the diffusion of Dex‐NH₂ toward the interfacial zone and thereby assist the formation of porous and thin PA layer compared to that when free amine (alkyl diamine) was used. These membranes are applicable for the separation of small molecular weight neutral solutes from mixture containing monovalent salts. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45301.     

Eco-friendly Pretreatment of Oil with High Free Fatty Acid Content Using a Sulfamic Acid/Ethanol System

In recent years, sulfamic acid (SA, NH₂SO₃H) has emerged as a novel green catalyst for organic synthesis because of several advantages, including its non‐volatility, non‐hygroscopicity, non‐corrosivity, and low cost. This work reports the use of sulfamic acid as a catalyst in the pretreatment of oil with a high content of free fatty acids (10 and 20 % FFA) in ethanol or methanol. The process (esterification reaction) used in the pretreatment of the oil was carried out under a variety of conditions, initial fatty acid content, temperature, type of alcohol, and % catalyst. The experiments using an NH₂SO₃H/ethanol system resulted in a high fatty acid ethyl ester conversion, 88.53 % (±0.95) from an initial acidity of 40 mg KOH/g (20 % FFA), using 8 % NH₂SO₃H as the catalyst. According to the results, the methodology using sulfamic acid and ethanol demonstrated elevated potential for a environmentally‐friendly means of biodiesel production.     

A Star-Shaped Anionic Surfactant: Synthesis,Alkalinity Resistance,Interfacial Tension and Emulsification Properties at the Crude Oil–Water Interface

In this research, a star‐shaped surfactant was synthesized through the chlorination reaction, alkylation reaction and sulfonation reaction of triethanolamine, which is composed of three hydrophobic chains and three sulfonate hydrophilic groups. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactant was measured by the surface tension method, and the results showed that it had high surface activity with CMC of 5.53 × 10^?5 mol/L. The surfactant was superior in surface active properties to the reference surfactants SDBS and DADS‐C₁₂. The interfacial tension (IFT) of the studied crude oil–water system (surfactant concentration 0.1 g/L, NaOH concentration 0.5 g/L, and experimental temperature 50 °C) dropped to 1.1 × 10^?4 mN/m, which can fulfil the requirement of surfactants for oil displacement. An aqueous solution of the surfactant and crude oil was emulsified by shaking, which formed a highly stable oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion with particle size of 5–20 μm. The oil displacement effect was almost 12%.     

Amino‐functional electrospun nanofibrous membrane for detecting nitroaromatic compounds

A novel amino‐functionalized polystyrene copolymer (PS‐NH₂) was designed and synthesized with styrene and 4‐vinylbenzyl amine. Additionally, an amino modified glass (G‐NH₂) was obtained as a carrier. (PS‐NH₂/pyrene)/G‐NH₂ fluorescent nanofibrous membrane [named (PS‐NH₂/pyrene)/G‐NH₂] was designed and prepared via electrospinning technique to detect representative saturated nitroaromatic (NAC) explosive vapor. The (PS‐NH₂/pyrene)/G‐NH₂ showed highly fluorescence stability in ambient condition and further displayed a high quenching efficiency of 70.9% toward trinitrotoluene (TNT) vapor (～10 ppb) with an exposure time of 150 s at room temperature. The abundance of amino groups could effectively adsorb NACs and the binding of electron‐deficient NACs to the amino groups on the (PS‐NH₂/pyrene)/G‐NH₂ surface led to the formation of charge‐transfer complexes. The quenching constant (K_SV) to TNT was obtained to be 1.07 × 10¹¹ mL/g in gaseous phase with a limit of detection up to 2.76 × 10^?13g/mL. Importantly, the (PS‐NH₂/pyrene)/G‐NH₂ showed notable selectivity toward TNT and 2,4‐dinitrotoluene vapors. Straightforwardly, the colorimetric sensing performance can be visualized by naked eye with a color change for detecting of different vapor phase NACs explosives. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46708     

Physico‐chemical composition,fractionated glycerides and fatty acid profile of chicken skin fat

Skin is one of the several co‐products of chicken meat industries, considered as waste, being rarely utilized or underutilized. Brazil is the world leader in chicken exports (3.6 million tons) and the third largest producer with 10.9 million tons, from which 440 000 ton/year are residues. This work aimes at characterizing chicken skin fat (CSF), comparing it with soybean oil, a well‐known and abundant compound, evaluating the physico‐chemical composition, fractionated glycerides and fatty acid profile, searching for CSF use in interesterification reactions. For that, determination of peroxide and p‐anisidine values, as well as thiobarbituric acid, iodine, saponification, acidity, unsaponified matter and refraction indexes were accomplished, besides the glycerides fractionation, followed by FAME derivatization and identification by GC. The nutritional quality indexes were calculated from the lipid profile. CSF showed satisfactory quality due to low acidity (0.65 g oleic acid/100 g), peroxide (2.14 meq/kg), p‐anisidine (0.70 absorbance units/g) values, besides presenting high proportion of MUFA (40%). However, due to CSF low hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic value (HH = 2.72), it may be difficult to use it for nutritional purposes the way it is found, once it tends to increase cholesterol. CSF it is a promising residue for different purposes including interesterification reactions and biodiesel production.     

Preparation of water‐soluble syndiotacticity‐rich high molecular weight poly(vinyl alcohol) microfibrillar fibers using copolymerization of vinyl pivalate and vinyl acetate and saponification

Water‐soluble high molecular weight (HMW) syndiotactic poly(vinyl alcohol) (s‐PVA) microfibrillar fibers were prepared by the saponification with various conditions such as amount of alkali solution, saponification temperature, and saponification concentration from copoly(vinyl pivalate (VPi)/vinyl acetate (VAc)) copolymerized using various VPi/VAc feed ratios. To produce s‐PVA microbrillar fibers having various water‐soluble temperatures for many industrial applications, the intrinsic viscosities, syndiotactic diad (S‐diad) contents, and degrees of saponification (DS)s of PVAs were finely controlled to 1.2–3.6 dL/g, 56.3–58.3%, and 91.4–98.3%, respectively. Through a series of experiments, it was found that the amount of alkali may alter the structure of the saponified polymers, primarily the DS, and the structural variation changes viscosity. That is, intrinsic viscosity was sharply decreased as the amount of alkali solution was increased. DS was increased with an increase in the amount of alkali solution. S‐diad content was increased with an increase in the VPi content. HMW s‐PVA microfibrillar fibers having S‐diad content of 56.3–58.3% prepared by the saponification of copoly(VPi/VAc) were completely soluble in water at 100°C. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1482–1487, 2003     

Assimilation of cholesterol in broth,cream, and butter by probiotic bacteria

High serum cholesterol concentrations are associated with the development of coronary heart disease. It has been reported that some cultures of Lactobacillus spp. actively take up cholesterol from laboratory media. In the present study, the abilities of ten probiotic lactic acid bacteria to assimilate cholesterol in broth medium, cream, and butter were tested and compared. The cholesterol reduction ratios of these human‐origin bacteria were determined in MRS‐THIO broth supplemented with 150 μg/mL cholesterol. The amount of cholesterol assimilated by the bacteria was measured by gas chromatography. Cholesterol assimilation of these ten bacteria in broth was found to be similar to assimilation in cream. Two of these ten bacteria (Lactobacillus maltaramicus AC 3–16 and L. casei subsp. casei AB16–65) were chosen for making soured butter. The results indicate that the probiotic bacteria applied to cream and butter, as well as to the broth medium, caused a reduction of the cholesterol level of the product's fat content. This study provides some evidence that probiotic cultures have a cholesterol level‐reducing effect, and soon we will be able to produce butter without cholesterol via microorganisms.     

Synthesis and properties of novel benzobisthiazole‐containing hyperbranched polyamides derived from 2,6‐diaminobenzo[1,2‐d:4,5‐d']bisthiazole

In this article, two novel benzobisthiazole‐containing hyperbranched polyamides with different end groups were synthesized, by adjusting the feed molar ratio of the reaction monomers, using 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid and 2,6‐diaminobenzo[1,2‐d:4,5‐d']bisthiazole as monomers, polyphosphoric acid as solvent, and catalyst. The molecular structure of the synthesized hyperbranched polymers were speculated by ¹H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, ¹³C‐NMR analysis, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The M_n, M_w, and DB of the carboxyl terminated polymer HB‐COOH are 3264 g/mol, 3350 g/mol, and 44.1%, respectively, with a polydispersity of 1.03. The M_n, M_w, and DB of amino terminated polymer HB‐NH₂ are 3340 g/mol, 3420 g/mol, and 41.7%, respectively, with a polydispersity of 1.02. The thermal stability of HB‐NH₂ was higher than HB‐COOH in the range of 30 °C–800 °C.These two benzobisthiazole‐containing hyperbranched polyamides were completely amorphous and soluble in DMSO. Their DMSO solutions exhibited strong blue fluorescence. The fluorescent intensity of HB‐NH₂ was higher than HB‐COOH. The prepared polymers were potential useful in the area of blue light emitting and display. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43453.     

Simultaneous quantification of serum phytosterols and cholesterol precursors using a simple gas chromatographic method

Determination of the main phytosterols (Ps, β‐sitosterol and campesterol) and cholesterol precursors (desmosterol and lathosterol) in human serum using a simple GC‐FID method has been validated. Direct saponification, without lipid extraction, sterols extraction, and further derivatization was applied to samples prior to GC analysis. To evaluate the method, a pool of serum samples from eight healthy women was used. Good linearity (r>0.99) was found in the assay range: β‐sitosterol (0.99–17.82 µg/mL), campesterol (0.14–10.8 µg/mL), desmosterol (0.17–2.6 µg/mL), and lathosterol (0.6–5.97 µg/mL). Limits of detection (ng/mL) were: 86 (β‐sitosterol), 42 (campesterol), 4 (desmosterol), and 44 (lathosterol). Accuracy, estimated by recovery assays (%), were: 113 (β‐sitosterol), 114 (campesterol), 111 (desmosterol), and 102 (lathosterol). Within and between precision values (%), expressed as the relative SD (RSD), were: 2.6 and 8.1 (β‐sitosterol), 1.6 and 7.2 (campesterol), 2.1 and 7.9 (desmosterol), and 4.1 and 5.8 (lathosterol), respectively. The developed methodology allowed fast (1‐day analysis) and reliable quantification of sterols in serum, required a small volume of sample and reduced use of solvents. It therefore could be used in clinical assays for the determination of serum sterols, as in evaluating the pharmacological response to lipid‐lowering agents, and in assessing biological responses to Ps‐enriched diets. Practical applications : This methodology allows fast and reliable quantification of sterols in serum, requiring a small volume of sample and reduced use of solvents. It can be used as a routine method for the quantification of phytosterols and cholesterol precursors in clinical assays, and it is also suitable for monitoring biological responses to health‐promoting phytosterol‐enriched diets.     

Synthesis of a quaternary ammonium derivative of chito‐oligosaccharide as antimicrobial agent for cellulosic fibers

A derivative of chito‐oligosaccharide (COS), N‐(2‐hydroxyl)propyl‐3‐trimethyl ammonium chito‐oligosaccharide chloride (HTACC), was synthesized using a reaction of glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC) and COS prepared by depolymerization of a fully deacetylated chitosan. COS and HTACC were applied to the cotton fabrics with a pad‐dry‐cure process using the reaction between the hydroxyl group of cellulose and terminal aldehyde group in COS and HTACC. Their minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) was evaluated, and the antimicrobial activity and durability to laundering of cotton fabrics treated with them were compared. The complete substitution of NH₂ groups in COS with GTMAC was obtained at a 4 : 1 mol ratio of GTMAC to NH₂ in 18 h at 80°C under the presence of acetic acid. MIC values of the 1.04 DS of HTACC and COS were 50 and 400 μg/mL, respectively. A cotton fabric treated with 0.2% of HTACC and 1.8% of COS exhibited 100% reduction of bacteria. At the 50th laundering cycle, 0.3% of HTACC and 2.4% of COS indicated 100% bacterial reduction. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 2009–2015, 2000     

Development of Novel NH4Y Zeolite‐Filled Chitosan Membranes for the Dehydration of Water‐Isopropanol Mixture Using Pervaporation

Abstract

NH₄Y zeolite‐filled chitosan membranes were developed for the separation of water‐isopropanol mixture using pervaporation process. The NH₄Y zeolite‐filled chitosan membranes were prepared using a solution technique with the variation of NH₄Y zeolite loading (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 wt.%). The membranes morphologies were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the membranes mechanical strength were tested using the parameter of tensile strength and percent strain at maximum. The effects of NH₄Y zeolite loading on the liquid sorption characteristics and pervaporation performance were also evaluated. The diffusion coefficient of water and isopropanol for the chitosan membranes at different NH₄Y zeolite loading is estimated. The presence of NH₄Y zeolite in the chitosan membranes caused non‐homogeneous dispersion of NH₄Y zeolite crystals and membrane swelling due to its hydrophilic properties. However, the presence of NH₄Y zeolite was able to improve both tensile strength and percent strain at maximum of chitosan membranes. The presence of NH₄Y zeolite also increased the total permeation flux and separation factor simultaneously. The Pervaporation Separation Index shows that 0.2 wt.% of NH₄Y zeolite‐filled membrane gave the optimum performance in the pervaporation process. The diffusion coefficient estimated proves that the membranes were highly water selective.