Ceramic membrane ultrafiltration of anionic and nonionic surfactant solutions

The ultrafiltration of two types of surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, anionic) and Tergitol NP-9 (nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether, nonionic), using a 20 nm ZrO₂ tubular membrane was investigated. The influence of crossflow velocity, temperature, pressure, and surfactant concentration on the permeate flux, close to and above the critical micelle concentration (CMC), is reported. Permeate flux and surfactant retention were measured in order to evaluate concentration polarization and fouling phenomena, and also the variation of these parameters due to surfactant/membrane interactions. High surfactant retentions (60–70%) were achieved depending on the feed concentration.