A maghnite-clay-H/ polymer membrane for separation of ethanol–water azeotrope

Composite membranes, consisting of Maghnite-H (Magh-H) clay and poly (vinylchloride) were prepared. Membrane morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. The pervaporation and separation characteristics of azeotropic ethanol–water mixtures through these membranes were investigated between 25 and 40 °C. The best results were obtained for 7 wt.% of Magh-H, and an increase in the flux and separation factor was noticed. Under ambient conditions, a separation factor (α H2O) of 25 and a flux of 11.9 g m− 2 h− 1 were obtained for 7% Magh-H content where, in absence of Magh-H the corresponding values were 5.82 and 2.31.