Rheological properties of spinning solutions for cellulose acetate ultrafiltration membranes

Addition of ethyl alcohol in the amount of 5 to 25 wt. % significantly reduces the viscosity of secondary cellulose acetate (SCA)--acetone--water spinning solutions. The effective viscosity of the spinning solutions decreases significantly when the shear stress changes. SCA membranes made from solutions with lower viscosity have higher permeability both for water and for cheese whey. The data obtained can be used to vary the performance properties of ultrafiltration membranes within wide limits.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]