Epoxidized natural rubber/polyvinyl chloride/microcrystalline cellulose (ENR/PVC/MCC) composite membrane for palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment

Abstract

Epoxidized natural rubber/polyvinyl chloride/microcrystalline cellulose (ENR/PVC/MCC) composite membranes were prepared and used to treat palm oil mill effluent (POME). The loadings of MCC were varied at 0, 5, 10 and 15 w/w%. The increment of MCC loads has intensified the hydroxyl peak of the membranes in FTIR spectrum, indicating the increase in membrane hydrophilicity. MCC acted as a pore forming agent since the ENR/PVC/10% MCC gave the highest water flux and well-distributed pores. After first treatment of POME, the levels of chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solid (TSS) were reduced to 99.9%, 70.3%, and 16.9%, respectively. These data showed that ENR/PVC/MCC membrane has the potential to treat POME.