Impact of Parameters of Unipolar Corona Discharge on Surface Characteristics of Polysulfonamide Membranes and their Separation Efficiency of Oil-Water Emulsion

Ultrafiltration polysulfonamide membranes with molecular weight cut-off 100 kDa were treated in a field of a unipolar corona discharge in air atmosphere with variations of the process parameters: voltage – 5, 15, 25, and 35 kV; time of the corona – 1, 3, and 5 minutes.     Instrumental methods of analysis showed a change in the structure of the surface membrane – an increase of roughness and hydrophilicity of the membrane surface and, consequently, an increase in the productivity and efficiency of separation of oil-water emulsion. It was determined that the maximum efficiency (89.3%) is observed when using the studied membrane treated by the corona discharge for 5 min and a voltage of 35 kV.