AbstractThe diffusive flux of NaCl and the hydraulic flux of pure water through coagulated cellulose acetate membranes are examined. Coagulated cellulose acetate membranes (without densification by heat treatment or drying) possess higher permeability than what may be expected from the permeabilities of the dry polymer. Their overall hydraulic permeability (ultrafiltration rate of water) is greatly dependent upon the membrane casting conditions and the resulting asymmetry of the membrane. On the other hand, the asymmetry of a membrane does not play as great a role in the diffusive permeability of a solute. With homogeneous membranes, higher diffusive flux is always accompanied by higher hydraulic permeability. With asymmetric membranes, this is not always true. The diffusive permeability of NaCl and the hydraulic permeability of water through coagulated cellulose acetate membranes can be controlled nearly independently. Consequently, high diffusive (NaCl) permeability with low hydraulic water permeability and vice versa can be obtained by varying the casting conditions and also by partially saponifying the denser portion of the membrane.
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