Microemulsion breakdown using the pervaporation technique: application to cutting oil models

Four microemulsions were formulated as model systems for “cutting oil” consisting of water, mineral oil as an organic component, sodium dodecylsulfate or dodiflood as a surfactant, and alcohol as a co-surfactant. Their stability was ascertained by a rheology study and their oil/water nature was confirmed by physico-chemical tests. Their breakdown with the pervaporation technique using a polydimethylsiloxane membrane ensured the preferential removal of oil from other components. The enrichment factor and the flux rate were examined as functions of time and temperature. The optimal temperature and time were found to be 40°C and 4 h, respectively.

The pervaporation technique using a PDMS membrane successfully collapsed the microemulsions used as cutting oil models. The PDMS membrane selectively drew off the oil, the organic component of the microemulsions. In light of the above-discussed results, pervaporation can be profitably applied to cutting oil disposal.