Preparation of divinyl-PDMS/PVDF composite hollow fibre membranes for BTX removal

Microporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fibre membranes spun using the dry–wet phase inversion method were coated with cross-linkable divinyl-terminated silicone rubber, divinyl-polydimethylsiloxane (divinyl-PDMS). Cross-sectional structure of the composite membranes formed was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), displaying a uniform coating thickness of approximately 5–7 μm. Oxygen/nitrogen selectivity over 2.24 was obtained, indicating successful formation of selective coating layer. Removal of benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) from hydrocarbon/nitrogen mixtures was tested at a temperature of 40 °C using the composite hollow fibre membrane developed.