INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT 2

NAME: GAJANAN A/L GUNALAN

NO. MATRIX: 201342933

1) Based on the information from the attended webinar, identify ONE (1) current
application in polymer membrane.
• River water treatment.

2) From your answer in (1), discuss the current type of polymers used for membrane
technology.
• Plastic wastes are mainly derived from the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in which
commonly used in material packaging industry. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a
thermoplastic polymer that is transparent, lightweight, and has great mechanical
strength. When PET plastic waste is produced, it can be recycled and repurposed for
various applications such as use to produced membrane for river water treatment. This
solution solves the environmental challenges of plastic waste and provides a
sustainable method for water treatment. Plastic waste can be recycled and converted
into functional membranes with filtration-appropriate characteristics. Plastic is an ideal
membrane material that efficiently removes contaminants from water sources due to its
durability and chemical resistance. As a result of recycling plastic not only contributes
to reducing environmental plastic pollution but also reinforces the ideals of the circular
economy. This strategy is consistent with sustainability, waste reduction, and resource
conservation objectives. By converting plastic waste into membrane technology, we
can simultaneously address water treatment requirements and plastic pollution-related
environmental concerns.
3) Briefly explain what you understand by “membrane from waste plastic” presented
by Prof. Nurul Widiastuti.
• "Membrane from waste plastic" relates to the innovative approach of producing
membranes used in river water treatment. Typically, the procedure entails accumulating
plastic waste, sorting it based on its type and quality, and then recycling it. Cleansing,
 shredding, and transforming the plastic waste into small particles or fragments. These
particulates are then processed further, frequently using melting and extrusion
techniques, to create membranes with the desired characteristics and properties. Many
plastics are not biodegradable due to the slow degradation. Due to these materials do
not exist in nature, and therefore, there are no naturally occurring organisms that can
break them down effectively or at all. Decomposition of plastic might take 20 to 500
years, depending on the composition of the material and external conditions like
sunlight exposure. So plastic waste used to make membrane for river water treatment
due to the low cost and can be formed as film.
4) State ONE (1) advantage and ONE (1) limitation associated with the development of
membrane material and separation processes.
• Advantages: One benefit of membrane materials and separation techniques is the
potential to accomplish selective separation. To selectively let some molecules or
particles flow through while preventing others, membranes can be created with pore
sizes, surface characteristics, and chemical compositions. This selectivity allows for
effective separation and purification operations, such as removing pollutants from
water.
• Limitation: The possibility of fouling and the requirement for routine maintenance are
two limitations related to membrane materials and separation techniques. The term
"fouling" describes the buildup of dirt, debris, or biological matter on the membrane's
surface or inside its pores, which can make the membrane less effective over time.
5) From your point of view, identify TWO (2) current challenges faced by membrane
technology.
• Scaling up and integration: Even though membrane technology has succeeded in
several small-scale applications, scaling and incorporating membrane systems into
bigger infrastructures or processes can take time and effort. Concerns such as system
architecture, flow dynamics, module configuration, and compatibility with existing
infrastructure must be addressed to enable smooth integration and effective operation
on a wider scale.
• Energy efficiency: Particularly in high-pressure applications like reverse osmosis,
membrane processes frequently demand a large energy input. It is essential to increase
the energy efficiency of membrane systems to save operating expenses and
environmental effects. Researchers are investigating innovative designs, materials, and
process improvements to increase energy efficiency while maintaining or enhancing
separation performance.