Manufacturing Membranes with Eastman™ Cellulose Acetate

In comparing the materials above we can see that membranes produced with cellulose acetate have an advantage over the other types in terms of cost and oxidant resistance.  Another important attribute to note is that cellulose acetate is hydrophilic.  The result of this is better surface contact with aqueous feed streams and increased resistance to fouling.  In addition, cellulose acetate membranes can withstand harsh cleaning environments that polymers like PVDF cannot.  It is for these reasons that cellulose acetate is used for organic membranes in protein separations and other applications where fouling is a concern.  Membranes produced with cellulose acetate also have an inherent selectivity for CO2 and CH4.  This is why it is still the leading polymer for spiral wound and hollow-fiber membrane modules used in the separation of natural gas.  In addition, all Eastman™ membrane materials are available with FDA approval for food contact in food and beverage processing operations making them an ideal choice for RO and FO membranes used to clarify or concentrate beverages like juice, milk, beer, and wine.  See the table below for available Eastman™ membrane material grades of cellulose acetate.