The influence of the structural properties of cellulose filtering composites on the contaminants retention in alimentary liquids

Abstract

Cellulose filtering composites are as three-dimensional network defined by mechanical and structural properties enabling their runnability in the filtration process of the alimentary liquids. The functional characteristics and filtration behaviour of cellulose composites are influenced by many factors that comprise both the nature of the raw materials (fibrous materials, fillers, chemical additives) and processing conditions. The porous structure of the filtering composites is thus designed so the retention of contaminant particles in the liquids is carried out both at the surface (mechanical retention) and depth (electro kinetic adsorption). In order to ensure a good separation of micro-organisms by filtration, it is required to adapt appropriately the structure of pores within filtering medium both at the size of particles that are separated, and the physical and chemical properties of these contaminants. The paper presents the findings of some studies concerning the influence of structural properties on the retention capacity of yeasts and microorganisms from alimentary liquids (wine) of some cellulose composites for sterilizing filtration.