The Influence of Surfactants on Casein Membrane Preparation and Separation Technologies

Abstract

The influence of a classic surfactant: palmitoyl-glycylglycine and bola amphiphilic: bis[2-butyl(sodium bis-thioacetate) sodium dicarboxylate 1,10 decanediyl ester] upon the casein membrane preparation and separation technologies for removing organic pollutants (dyes) was studied by: UV-VIS and FT/IR-ATR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, optical and scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, microbiological tests and the separation rates. The membranes were produced by a casting-solvent evaporation technique. The casein powder was dissolved in a water-acetic acid (75:25 v/v) solution with and without plasticizer: glycerol and surfactant (classic or bola), constant continuous stirring for 6-8 hrs. at 40ºC, then degassed the solution for 2 hrs. The solution was poured and afterwards maintained in the oven at 40-50°C for 8-12 hrs. Membranes were obtained with different surfactants which influenced the separation properties of membranes. Ecological membranes are obtained from a biodegradable biopolymer and can be used successfully in removing dyes from wastewaters.