Abstract: Water-wettable filtration membranes comprising a microporous sheet of a polyolefin, such as poly(ethylene), grafted with one or more preformed polymers are described. Examples where the preformed polymer is poly(4-ethenylbenzene sulfonic acid) or the poloxamer supplied under the trade name PLURONIC™ P-123 are provided. The membranes can be used in the recovery or removal of water from aqueous feed streams or the manufacture of composite membranes where a film of hydrophilic poly(ethenol) (polyvinyl alcohol; PVA) is adhered to the microporous sheet. The membranes provide the advantage of being tolerant to the cleaning agents used in clean-in-place protocols and can be used to remove particulates and solutes from these aqueous feed streams. The composite membranes are particularly suitable for use in the recovery or removal of water from feed streams in the beverage and food industries, including dairy.

Abstract: Composite membranes having a film of poly(ethenol) (polyvinyl alcohol; PVA) adhered to a microporous sheet of polyolefin are disclosed. The microporous sheet is made hydrophilic by grafting of the polyolefin, e.g. poly(ethylene), with a preformed polymer before adherence of the film of PVA. The composite membranes are chlorine tolerant with high levels of protein rejection making them particularly suitable for use in the extraction or recovery of water from feed streams in the beverage and food industries, including dairy.

Abstract: Filtration membranes comprising a microporous sheet of polyolefin grafted with a poloxamer are described. In an embodiment, the poloxamer is that supplied under the trade name PLURONIC™ P-123 and the polyolefin is poly(ethylene). The membranes provide the advantage of being tolerant to the cleaning agents used in clean-in-place protocols and can be used to remove particulates from these aqueous feed streams.

Abstract: Composite membranes having a film of poly(ethenol) (polyvinyl alcohol; PVA) adhered to a microporous sheet of polyolefin are disclosed. The microporous sheet is made hydrophilic by grafting of the polyolefin, e.g. poly(ethylene), with a preformed polymer before adherence of the film of PVA. The composite membranes are chlorine tolerant with high levels of protein rejection making them particularly suitable for use in the extraction or recovery of water from feed streams in the beverage and food industries, including dairy.