Swelling styrene-butadiene latices

If the feed is preconditioned properly, the UF flux is often quite stable. One thousand hours of continuous operation between cleanings is common. When flux decay does occur, detergent washing is usually sufficient to restore flux. In some cases, polymer solvents may be required. Proper selection of a solvent resistant membrane and/or solvents which will dissolve the latex but not affect the membrane is crucial. For PVC latex, the solvents of choice are methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Styrene butadiene rubber will swell in MIBK, MEK or toluene. Polyvinyl acetate will dissolve in the low MW alcohols such as propyl alcohol. Generally, the membranes are first washed with water, then detergent, followed by another water flush. The system is then drained of all water since it will affect polymer solubility in MEK. Finally, a solvent rinse is employed. If the module is tubular, sponge balls will enhance cleaning. 

The group of Gu Z. in the 2009, reported the behavior of styrene butadiene/ rubber/organo-bentonite nanocomposite prepared from latex dispersion, content was lower than 12 mass%. The results showed were that presence of organo-bentonite in the nanocoposite affects direct in the thermo stability, mechanical properties and swelling behavior, which was attribute to the good barrier properties of the dispersed nanoparticles. The dispersion is an important factor that can affect various properties such as thermal stability [81]. 

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