Treatment of Natural Rubber Skim Latex Using Ultrafiltration Process with PVDF-TiO₂ Mixed-Matrix Membranes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Natural rubber skim latex is a low-value by-product often discarded or minimally processed.
• Conventional coagulation methods using sulfuric acid generate significant environmental pollution.
• Existing methods struggle to efficiently recover rubber content due to low rubber concentration and high non-rubber components like protein.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel hydrophilic PVDF-TiO2 mixed-matrix membrane for natural rubber skim latex treatment.
• To evaluate the performance of this membrane in separating skim latex concentrate and skim serum.
• To assess the membrane's potential for valorizing skim latex and reducing environmental impact.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hydrophilic PVDF-TiO2 mixed-matrix membrane.
• Ultrafiltration process applied to natural rubber skim latex.
• Characterization of membrane fouling using SEM-EDX and FTIR.
• Flux measurements and CHNS analysis for protein extraction assessment.

Main Results:

• The PVDF-PVP-TiO2 mixed-matrix membrane achieved a maximum skim serum flux of 12.72 L/m2h, significantly higher than pure PVDF membranes (8.14 L/m2h).
• CHNS analysis confirmed successful extraction of nitrogen (indicating protein) via membrane separation.
• SEM-EDX and FTIR identified skim latex deposits causing membrane fouling, impacting flux rates.

Conclusions:

• The developed hydrophilic PVDF-TiO2 mixed-matrix membrane demonstrates high potential for treating natural rubber skim latex.
• This ultrafiltration approach offers an efficient and environmentally friendly method for skim latex valorization.
• The study provides a promising solution for managing a challenging industrial by-product with high fouling potential.