AU2002214802A1 - Modified membranes - Google Patents
Modified membranesInfo
- Publication number
- AU2002214802A1 AU2002214802A1 AU2002214802A AU2002214802A AU2002214802A1 AU 2002214802 A1 AU2002214802 A1 AU 2002214802A1 AU 2002214802 A AU2002214802 A AU 2002214802A AU 2002214802 A AU2002214802 A AU 2002214802A AU 2002214802 A1 AU2002214802 A1 AU 2002214802A1
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- membrane
- polymeric membrane
- porous polymeric
- modifying agent
- porous
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 title claims description 213
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 63
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 58
- 230000009257 reactivity Effects 0.000 claims description 39
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims description 38
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 34
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 25
- 150000008064 anhydrides Chemical class 0.000 claims description 19
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000002033 PVDF binder Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 229920002981 polyvinylidene fluoride Polymers 0.000 claims description 18
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfuric acid Chemical compound OS(O)(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000007385 chemical modification Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- FPYJFEHAWHCUMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N maleic anhydride Chemical compound O=C1OC(=O)C=C1 FPYJFEHAWHCUMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 11
- 229920002492 poly(sulfone) Polymers 0.000 claims description 11
- 229920001223 polyethylene glycol Polymers 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- LENZDBCJOHFCAS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tris Chemical compound OCC(N)(CO)CO LENZDBCJOHFCAS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000002202 Polyethylene glycol Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000001879 gelation Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- XJRBAMWJDBPFIM-UHFFFAOYSA-N methyl vinyl ether Chemical compound COC=C XJRBAMWJDBPFIM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- SECXISVLQFMRJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-Methylpyrrolidone Chemical compound CN1CCCC1=O SECXISVLQFMRJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 150000001412 amines Chemical class 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000004132 cross linking Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- KWGKDLIKAYFUFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M lithium chloride Chemical compound [Li+].[Cl-] KWGKDLIKAYFUFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000001556 precipitation Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920000036 polyvinylpyrrolidone Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000013855 polyvinylpyrrolidone Nutrition 0.000 claims description 7
- LRHPLDYGYMQRHN-UHFFFAOYSA-N N-Butanol Chemical compound CCCCO LRHPLDYGYMQRHN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000006460 hydrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000001223 reverse osmosis Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 150000003457 sulfones Chemical class 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000007062 hydrolysis Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- -1 poly(alkyl vinyl ether Chemical compound 0.000 claims description 5
- ZHNUHDYFZUAESO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Formamide Chemical compound NC=O ZHNUHDYFZUAESO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003301 hydrolyzing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920005597 polymer membrane Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000001267 polyvinylpyrrolidone Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000604 Polyethylene Glycol 200 Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000491 Polyphenylsulfone Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000001408 amides Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000013590 bulk material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000013626 chemical specie Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000002148 esters Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920006393 polyether sulfone Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002243 precursor Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- BRDWIEOJOWJCLU-LTGWCKQJSA-N GS-441524 Chemical compound C=1C=C2C(N)=NC=NN2C=1[C@]1(C#N)O[C@H](CO)[C@@H](O)[C@H]1O BRDWIEOJOWJCLU-LTGWCKQJSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- 229920005862 polyol Polymers 0.000 claims 2
- 150000003077 polyols Chemical class 0.000 claims 2
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 229920000768 polyamine Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 20
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000012510 hollow fiber Substances 0.000 description 12
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000012071 phase Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000005191 phase separation Methods 0.000 description 7
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- UPBDXRPQPOWRKR-UHFFFAOYSA-N furan-2,5-dione;methoxyethene Chemical compound COC=C.O=C1OC(=O)C=C1 UPBDXRPQPOWRKR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- FAGUFWYHJQFNRV-UHFFFAOYSA-N tetraethylenepentamine Chemical compound NCCNCCNCCNCCN FAGUFWYHJQFNRV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000001471 micro-filtration Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000035882 stress Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000002145 thermally induced phase separation Methods 0.000 description 5
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl ether Chemical compound CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000108 ultra-filtration Methods 0.000 description 4
- BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1-Difluoroethene Chemical compound FC(F)=C BQCIDUSAKPWEOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 3
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- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 3
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- 238000004445 quantitative analysis Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010791 quenching Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 3
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920006370 Kynar Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- JUJWROOIHBZHMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Pyridine Chemical compound C1=CC=NC=C1 JUJWROOIHBZHMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000002835 absorbance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009102 absorption Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000001298 alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 125000003277 amino group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 238000005345 coagulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000015271 coagulation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010894 electron beam technology Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000178 monomer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003960 organic solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000004451 qualitative analysis Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007711 solidification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008023 solidification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004544 sputter deposition Methods 0.000 description 2
- AXDJCCTWPBKUKL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-[(4-aminophenyl)-(4-imino-3-methylcyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene)methyl]aniline;hydron;chloride Chemical compound Cl.C1=CC(=N)C(C)=CC1=C(C=1C=CC(N)=CC=1)C1=CC=C(N)C=C1 AXDJCCTWPBKUKL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M Chloride anion Chemical compound [Cl-] VEXZGXHMUGYJMC-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004566 IR spectroscopy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001069 Raman spectroscopy Methods 0.000 description 1
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QYKIQEUNHZKYBP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Vinyl ether Chemical compound C=COC=C QYKIQEUNHZKYBP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000700605 Viruses Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001299 aldehydes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 125000001931 aliphatic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 150000001338 aliphatic hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012736 aqueous medium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003125 aqueous solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004945 aromatic hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002238 attenuated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001210 attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005102 attenuated total reflection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910021538 borax Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000460 chlorine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052801 chlorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000701 coagulant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 238000010612 desalination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000502 dialysis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007598 dipping method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001614 effect on membrane Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000008282 halocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012456 homogeneous solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001519 homopolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000036571 hydration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006703 hydration reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920001477 hydrophilic polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005660 hydrophilic surface Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001600 hydrophobic polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005661 hydrophobic surface Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002329 infrared spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000011872 intimate mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011835 investigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000002576 ketones Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000003951 lactams Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000002496 methyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])* 0.000 description 1
- STZCRXQWRGQSJD-GEEYTBSJSA-M methyl orange Chemical compound [Na+].C1=CC(N(C)C)=CC=C1\N=N\C1=CC=C(S([O-])(=O)=O)C=C1 STZCRXQWRGQSJD-GEEYTBSJSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229940012189 methyl orange Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000003607 modifier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000012466 permeate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002989 phenols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006112 polar polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012667 polymer degradation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002451 polyvinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 235000019422 polyvinyl alcohol Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- UMJSCPRVCHMLSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N pyridine Natural products COC1=CC=CN=C1 UMJSCPRVCHMLSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002285 radioactive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005070 sampling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001542 size-exclusion chromatography Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000010339 sodium tetraborate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000007790 solid phase Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001179 sorption measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 235000000346 sugar Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000005846 sugar alcohols Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000008163 sugars Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- BSVBQGMMJUBVOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N trisodium borate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[O-]B([O-])[O-] BSVBQGMMJUBVOD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000001845 vibrational spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 1
Description
TITLE:
MODIFIED MEMBRANES
TECHNICAL FIELD:
The invention relates to porous membranes which have modified physical properties imparted by the addition of chemical modifiers.
BACKGROUNDART:
Synthetic membranes are used for a variety of applications including desalination, gas separation, filtration and dialysis. The properties of the membranes vary depending on the morphology of the membrane ie properties such as symmetry, pore shape and pore size and the polymeric material used to form the membrane.
Different membranes can be used for specific separation processes, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis. Microfiltration and ultrafiltration are pressure driven processes and are distinguished by the size of the particle or molecule that the membrane is capable of retaining or passing. Microfiltration can remove very
Substitute Sheet (Rule 2β) E0/AU
fine colloidal particles in the micrometer and submicrometer range. As a general rule,
microfiltration can filter particles down to 0.1 μm, whereas ultrafiltration can pass
through particles as small as O.Olμm. Reverse Osmosis operates on an even smaller
scale. As the size of the particles to be separated increases so too does the pressure required to carry out the separation and the density of the membrane.
A large surface area is needed when a large flux is required. One known technique to make filtration apparatus more compact is to form membranes in the shape of a hollow porous fiber. Modules of such fibres can be made with an extremely large surface area per unit of volume.
Microporous synthetic membranes are particularly suitable for use in hollow fibres and they are produced by phase inversion. In this process, a polymer is dissolved in an appropriate solvent and a suitable viscosity of the solution is achieved. The polymer solution can then be cast as a film or hollow fiber, and then immersed in a precipitation bath such as water. This causes separation of the homogeneous polymer solution into a solid polymer and liquid solvent phase. The precipitated polymer forms a porous structure containing a network of uniform pores. Production parameters that affect the membrane structure and properties include the polymer concentration, the precipitation media and temperature and the amount of solvent and non-solvent in the polymer solution. These factors can be varied to produce microporous membranes with
a large range of pore sizes (from less than 0.1 to 20μm), and altering chemical, thermal and mechanical properties.
Microporous phase inversion membranes are particularly well suited to the application of removal of viruses and bacteria. Of all types of membranes, the hollow fiber contains the largest membrane area per unit volume.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26 RO
Different techniques can be used to induce phase separation and prepare polymer membranes. A polymer dissolved in a solvent can solidify upon cooling, which is known as liquid-solid phase separation. Phase separation can be induced either by a temperature change or by a change in the concentration of the solution. These two processes are referred to as thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and diffusion induced phase separation (DIPS). The morphology induced by phase separation needs to be secured and hence solidification of the polymer phase needs to be achieved. In the TIPS process this is usually done by dropping the temperature below the glass transition temperature or the melting point of the polymer. The DIPS process uses a change in concentration, caused by diffusion of a solvent and a non-solvent, to induce a phase separation. With this technique, the hollow fiber membranes are produced using a batchwise process. The DIPS process has an advantage that asymmetric membranes can easily be formed, hi addition, the spinning of hollow fibers can be performed at room temperature, whereas the alternative process - thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) requires much higher temperatures. Since DIPS uses the diffusion of non-solvent and solvent it is relatively easy to control the rate at which membrane formation takes place by changing the concentration of the non-solvent bath and the polymer solution. The disadvantage however, is that macrovoids can be produced, in the form of fingerlike intrusions in the membrane. They decrease the mechanical strength of the membrane but can be avoided by choosing the right composition of solution.
Flat sheet membranes are prepared in the following way. A polymer solution consisting of a polymer and solvent is brought into contact with a non-solvent. The solvent diffuses outwards into the coagulation bath and the non-solvent will diffuse into the cast film. After a given period of time, the exchange of the non-solvent and solvent
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
has proceeded such that the solution becomes thermodynamically unstable and demixing
occurs. Finally a flat sheet is obtained with an asymmetric or symmetric structure
Hydrophobic surfaces are defined as "water hating" and hydrophilic surfaces as
"water loving". Many of the polymers that porous membranes are made of are hydrophobic. Water can be forced through a hydrophobic membrane by use of sufficient
pressure, but the pressure needed is very high (150-300 psi), and the membrane may be
damaged at such pressures and generally does not become wetted evenly.
Hydrophobic microporous membranes are characterised by their excellent
chemical resistance, biocompatibility, mechanical strength and separation performance.
Thus, in the application of water filtration, such hydrophobic membranes need to be
hydrophilised to allow water to permeate them. Many hydrophilic materials are not
suitable for MF and UF membranes that require mechanical strength and thermal
stability since water molecules play the role of plasticizers.
Currently, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene
(PP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are the most popular and available
hydrophobic membrane materials. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PNDF) is a semi-
crystalline polymer containing a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase. The
crystalline phase provides good thermal stability whilst the amorphous phase has flexibility towards membranes. PNDF, exhibits a number of desirable characteristics for
membrane applications, including thermal resistance, chemical resistance (to a range of
corrosive chemicals, including chlorine), and weather (UN) resistance
Modification of a polymer's surface potentially can maintain a polymer's desirable bulk properties but can provide new, different interfacial properties.
Membranes made from hydrophilic polymers are generally less prone to fouling than the
hydrophobic polymers. In some instances, surface modification of the more chemically
Substitute Sheet
resistant polymers has rendered them less susceptible to fouling. Numerous techniques exist for the surface modification of polymers. The most common examples of this chemistry are reactions that introduce a single type of functional group or mixture of functional groups. In general, all techniques of hydrophilisation of polymer surfaces involve an increase of the surface amount of polar groups. From a microscopic point of view, the basis of surface hydrophilisation is to maximise hydration and hydrogen bonding interactions. All sorts of oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur containing organic functional groups can interact with water more effectively than common carbon based repeating units. There are various methods for wetting a membrane on a non-permanent basis. One method of hydrophilising a porous hydrophobic membrane has been to pass alcohol through the pores of the membrane, then replace the alcohol by water. Surfactants and a post treatment with a glycerol coating have also been used. This is an adequate solution to the problem, so long as the water remains in the pores. However, if the water is removed from the pores either wholly or partially, and they are filled with air, the hydrophilised membrane is rendered hydrophobic again, and water cannot pass through the pores if it is not subjected to high pressure.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect the invention provides a porous polymeric membrane
formed from a blend of a polymeric membrane forming material and a polymeric
reactivity modifying agent adapted to modify the surface active properties of the porous
polymeric membrane relative to a porous polymeric membrane formed from the
polymeric membrane forming material alone.
The term "blend" as used herein refers to an intimate mixture or alloy of the
polymeric membrane forming material and polymeric reactivity modifying agent which
requires that the two components be compatible, ie miscible, with one another.
Preferably, the polymeric membrane forming material is of low reactivity relative
to the reactivity modifying agent. The polymeric membrane forming material may in
some cases desirably be inert.
Preferably, the polymeric membrane forming material is PNDF, especially
hydrophobic PNDF. hi alternative preferred embodiments, the polymeric membrane forming material
is polysulfone. The term polysulfone is used herein in the broad sense in which it is
understood by those skilled in the art, and is intended to encompass polysulfone per se,
as well as the polyether sulfones, polyaryl sulfones (in particular, polyphenyl sulfone),
polyalkyl sulfones, polyaralkyl sulfones and the like.
According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of preparing a
porous polymeric membrane wherein the polymeric reactivity modifying agent is blended in the surface active porous polymeric membrane by incorporation into the bulk
material
By reactivity modifying agent, it will be understood to include, but not limited to,
the overall behaviour of the membrane and/or the membrane surface to chemical species.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO AU
In addition to reactivity, the membrane may be modified with respect to other properties. For instance, a particularly preferred reactivity to be modified is the hydrophilicity / hydrophobicity and/or the surface charge of the membrane.
Preferably, the polymeric reactivity modifying agent is a linear polymeric
anhydride. Most preferably the polymeric reactivity modifying agent is Gantrez™.
i a first embodiment, the polymeric reactivity modifying agent is included in the surface active porous polymeric membrane by incorporation into the bulk material, for example, by combining with the polymeric membrane forming material prior to or during membrane formation. In particular, the reactivity modifying agent is added to the polymer dope mixture before the membrane is cast.
The reactivity modifying agent may be incorporated into the membrane in a reacted or unreacted form. The reactivity modifying agent incorporated into the polymeric porous membrane may be subjected to chemical modification subsequent to incorporation into the membrane. One preferred chemical modification is hydrolysis to render the membrane hydrophilic. Other preferred chemical modifications include cross
linking. In a highly preferred form of the invention, the Gantrez™ is included in the
membrane during formation and the resultant Gantrez™ modified membrane is then
subjected to crosslinking or an additional treatment which modifies reactivity, such as treatment with one or more of tetraethylenepentamine (TEP), tris- (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), polyethylene glycol (PEG), calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
Membranes containing reactive surface groups, such as acid or anhydride groups resulting from the incorporation of Gantrez can be crosslinked with crosslinking amines to form amide linkages. The degree of incorporation and extent of crosslinking can be used to construct a membrane suitable for reverse osmosis operations, hi this way,
Substitute Sheet
polymeric reactivity modifying agents such as Gantrez can form porous polymeric microfiltration or ultrafiltration membranes which act as substrates for reverse osmosis membranes.
When the polymeric reactivity modifying agent is incorporated into the polymeric membrane forming material before or during membrane formation, it is preferably adapted to combine with the membrane forming material in an amount such that the combined precursor to the surface active porous polymeric membrane acts as a single phase mixture. The membrane may then preferably be prepared by known methods in the art. Most preferably, it is formed into a hollow fibre membrane or a flat sheet membrane.
According to a third aspect, the invention also provides a method of modifying the surface of a porous polymer membrane including: i) blending a polymeric reactivity modifying agent with a polymeric membrane forming material and ii) forming a modified membrane.
The invention also provides an agent for forming a modified membrane in accordance with the preceding aspects.
According to a fourth aspect the invention provides a blend of a membrane forming polymer and a compatible second polymer, said second polymer being capable of chemical modification after membrane formation.
Preferably, the compatible second polymer is compatible with PNDF, or polysulfone, or more preferably, both.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
The commercial copolymer Gantrez™, or poly(methyl vinyl ether/maleic
anhydride), is a linear polymeric anhydride which is available in several molecular
weight ranges.
Due to the reactive anhydride sites in the Gantrez™ structure and the extensive
chemistry associated with this, Gantrez™ can not only provide the appropriate
hydrophilicity to the polymer fibers but may provide numerous possibilities for tailoring the fiber to specific applications, depending on the chemistry involved.
In one embodiment of the invention, Gantrez™ was added to the polymer dope
mixture and both flat sheet and hollow fiber membranes were produced from this. The primary tests carried out on the flat sheet membranes constituted the initial experimentation, and involved quantifying the dyes absorbed after post-treatment of the
membranes.
The hollow fiber membranes produced were tested for tensile strength, permeability, microscopic structure and the change in glass transition temperature of the modified membrane.
Gantrez™ is a commercial ingredient. Its properties and diversity both in the
hydrolysed and non-hydrolysed forms are known. Gantrez™ allows membranes to be fabricated which have excess anhydride sites, and by adding various amines and bases for example, the essential mechanical properties of the membranes can be preserved, yet hydrophilicity (and hence flow through the porous membrane) and reaction with other materials can be improved. There can also be a resultant decrease in fouling of the membrane, since say for instance there was a slight negative charge on the fiber then more particles would stay in suspended in solution.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
Gantrez™ or poly(methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride) is a water soluble
copolymer which has the following structure:
Gantrez™ is a linear polymeric anhydride, which is the interporymer of methyl
vinyl ether and maleic anhydride. Gantrez™ is manufactured by International Specialty
Products (ISP) and is available in a range of molecular weights. The physical and
chemical properties of some preferred forms of Gantrez™ are listed below:
Appearance: white, fluffy powder
Softening point range 200 - 225°C
Molecular Weights, Specific Viscosity and Glass Transition Temperature:
Mw MN Viscosity Tg (°C)
Gantrez™ AN 119 2.13 x lO5 6.19 x lO4 0.1 - 0.5 152
Gantrez™ AN 139 8.72 x lO5 2.21 x 105 1.0 - 1.5 151
Gantrez™ AN 149 1.25 x lO6 3.53 x lO5 1.5 - 2.5 153
Gantrez™ AN 169 1.89 x l06 5.78 x l05 2.6 - 3.5 154
Poly(methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride) having a molecular weight in the range 5 x
104 to 5 x 107 may also be used. The molecular weights were determined by size exclusion chromatography, the specific viscosity carried out at 25°C in a 1% MEK
solution in a capillary viscometer.
The two monomer types in Gantrez™ individually contribute properties to make
the copolymer highly valued material in a variety of applications. The poly(methyl vinyl
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
ether) is a flexible film former while the maleic anhydride is a hard polar monomer which contributes to bonding strength.
The reaction of maleic anhydride and methyl vinyl ether is as follows:
Gantrez™ is soluble in water and several organic solvents including alcohols, phenols,
pyridine, aldehydes, ketones, lactams and lower aliphatic esters. It is insoluble in aliphatic, aromatic or halogenated hydrocarbons, ethyl ether and nitroparaffins.
When the copolymer dissolves in water or alcohols, the anhydride linkage is cleaved such that the formation of the polar, polymeric free acid or the corresponding partial esters occurs.
Both aqueous and organic solvent solutions of Gantrez™ form films that are tack-
free and possess a high tensile and cohesive strength. These films do, however, possess an inherent brittleness, so this property will have to be carefully monitored when
incorporating the Gantrez™ into the membrane.
Although Gantrez™ powder is hygroscopic and will slowly hydrolyze in a humid
environment, it can absorb up to 30wt% water without effecting the flow characteristics of the powder. Mild heating (100°C for 1-2 hours) can remove unbound water.
Several studies have been carried out in making asymmetric membranes using small molecular additives to improve membrane characteristics. Such characteristics include high permeability, good macroscopic integrity such as circular lumen, uniform wall thickness, and mechanical strength. It is known from literature that PVDF has a small critical surface tension (about 25 dynes/cm), the coagulation rate and fiber
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
solidification are slow as a result of the weak interaction between the coagulant (water or solvent) and the polymer. As a consequence, difficulties arise when preparing porous asymmetric PNDF hollow fiber membranes without additives.
Surface Grafting in polymer chemistry is a process known in the art by which side chains of a second polymer are introduced onto an existing polymer main chain. Surface grafting generally leads to an overlayer of a second functionalized polymer covalently linked to the substrate polymer. Unlike simple functionalisation, which produces a polymer surface or interphase, grafting produces a physically distinct overlayer with properties that resemble those of the pure graft homopolymer. The methodology for grafting is based on radical polymerisations.
In Contrast to techniques where the surface composition is modified by some external treatment, in bulk modifications the surface composition is the result of the effect of the presence of another component in the polymer system.
The aim for polymer blends is to combine the properties of the single components into one material. By dissolving one polymer in another polymer so that there is an interpenetration of one polymer in another. The "polymer blend" that is synthesized in this way is not stable thermodynamically. Thermodynamic instability means that a demixing process occurs in the melt. To increase the stability it is necessary to crosslink one or both polymers. Surprisingly, it has been found by the present applicants that Gantrez™ is miscible with polar polymers such as the polysulfones and PNDF. Normally, very few polymers are miscible with other polymers - for example, the literature reveals that there is known only one polymer, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PNP) which is miscible (compatible) with both PNDF and polysulfone.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
hi the prior art, it is known to use mixtures of two polymeric membrane forming materials which are not miscible. These prior art mixtures require stabilization by cross linking, ie the two non miscible materials are stabilized by chemical reaction, and in this regard, they are not true "blends" as defined herein. Gelation is an important consideration in membrane formation. Gelation can be defined as the formation of a three dimensional network by chemical or physical crosslinking. When gelation occurs, a dilute or more viscous polymer solution is converted into a system of infinite viscosity, that is, a gel. A gel can be considered as a highly elastic, rubberlike solid. It is important to note that gelation is not a phase separation and can occur in a homogeneous solution (that is a polymer and a solvent) as well. Experiments will have to be carefully monitored so as to avoid gelation in the polymer solution, and one of the objectives of the chemical modification of the pre¬
existing membranes is to optimize the amount of Gantrez™ in the polymer solution
without gelation occurring.
Gelation of blends which incorporate Gantrez™ can occur if there are multivalent
components in the polymer blend such as polyalcohols (in various forms such as sugars, polyvinyl alcohols, polyethylene glycols, ethylene glycol, glycerol and the like). These gelation reactions can be minimized by reducing the time the Gantrez spends in solution with the multivalent components by blending the Gantrez into the membrane forming mixture (or vice versa) immediately prior to membrane casting.
One of the most capable copolymers at binding molecules are maleic anhydride copolymers. The reactions exemplified below are just some of the many reactions that
can occur.
As mentioned above, Gantrez™ undergoes hydrolysis quite readily. The
hydrolysis reaction was carried out in the presence of a sodium buffer (0.5M sodium
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
chloride + 0.1M sodium borate pH = 9.3). The problem with hydrolysing the Gantrez™
lies in the fact that the reactive anhydride sites will be lost when this reaction takes place.
Secondly, the solvents that Gantrez™ does dissolve in will also dissolve the polymer
material that makes the membrane fibers.
To overcome this problem, in the surface modification trials, the Gantrez™ is
only partially hydrolysed then reacted with the polyfunctional amine, in order to
crosslink Gantrez™ with the reactive amine groups. Under the appropriate conditions,
the reaction of amine groups can be favoured over hydrolysis even in an aqueous medium. A variety of methods are available for the characterisation of surfaces and permeability. One method to study adsorption or fouling onto a surface is to use radioactive labels, tagged to the appropriate molecule, however this method has proved too cumbersome. Characterisation of the modified membranes is crucial because a small change in one of the membrane production parameters can change the surface structure and consequently have a drastic effect on membrane performance. Structural membrane properties such as pore size and pore size distribution are able to determine which particles or molecules are retained and which will pass through the membrane.
The two techniques primarily used to observe vibrational spectra are infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy. The IR spectrum arises from the absorption of radiation, which results from transitions among the various vibrational quantum levels.
Infrared testing is carried out primarily on the bulk modified polymer membranes. IR
measurements are taken on a polymer solution with and without the Gantrez™
incorporated into the polymer matrix and these two results when compared. One region of interest in the investigation of Gantrez modified polymeric membranes, are the sharp amide peaks around 1700 cm"1 wavelength.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
Attenuated Total Reflectance, also known as Internal Reflection Spectroscopy is
invaluable in the characterisation of surface layers. This technique relies on the intimate
contact angle of a sample with the surface of a high refractive index, IR-transparent
prism. The basic principles behind this technique is that infrared radiation enters the
prism at an angle greater than the critical angle, and is internally reflected at the prism
surfaces, but attenuated by absorptions from the sample contact layer.
Primarily, the SEM is an instrument for the examination of surfaces, and is a very
convenient, simple technique for characterizing and investigating the porous structure of
membranes. The resolution limit of a simple electron microscope lies in the O.Olμm
range, with more sophisticated microscopes operating at resolutions of 0.005μm (5nm).
A clear and concise picture of the hollow fiber membrane can be obtained in terms of the
surface and cross-section, and an estimation of the porosity and pore size distribution can
also be obtained.
Many polymers are poor conductors of electricity, and as a result, charge rapidly
builds up on the surface of the sample as the electron beam is scanned across it. The
resulting field then interacts with the incident electron beam and causes image distortion.
This problem can be overcome by coating the sample with a conducting layer usually
gold. The gold is applied by sputtering and typical film thicknesses are 20nm.
Sputtering involves creating ions, accelerating them on a target, forming atoms or
clusters which are then deposited on the membrane substrate.
The bubble point method is a reflection of the maximum pore size. It is the force
needed to drive a liquid through the pores. The liquid used in this case is water, and the
gas pressure at which a bubble emerges is measured. The maximum pore size can be calculated from bubble point.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
Mechanical tests are often used to assess the ageing or chemical resistance of materials. The change in tensile properties of a material, are useful indicators of the degradation of a material. Testing consists of securing the test sample between two sets of grips. One set of grips is fixed and the other is attached to a moving crosshead and load-cell arrangement. Machines measure the force necessary to elongate and break the sample.
The break force is measured and reported as a tensile stress value by dividing the force obtained by the cross-sectional area: Tensile stress (Mpa) = F/A Where F = force (Newtons) required to break the test piece, and A =cross-section area of test piece (mm ). The break force is a reflection of the strength of the polymer fiber and is obviously of high importance in determining performance of the membranes. Break extension is the elongation measurement from the tensile machine is given by the extension in gauge length divided by the original gauge length. Break Extension is given as a percentage figure, while strain is shown as a fraction.
Tensile strain = change in length/original length = (h - l0)k
Where h = length between gauge marks (mm) and In — original gauge length (mm)
Break Extension = (h - ln)k x 100%
The Break Extension is a measure of the elasticity of the polymer fiber, which can also be expressed as Young's modulus or the modulus of elasticity:
Young's modulus = Stress/strain in linear portion of stress-strain curve.
This is the ratio of the applied stress to the strain it produces in the region where strain is proportional to stress. This modulus is primarily a measure of stiffness. Obviously, as the polymer degrades, the break extension will decrease, so these two tests are excellent measures of polymer degradation.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
Permeability is a primary factor in governing the performance or efficiency of a
hollow fiber membrane for water filtration applications is the flow or flux through the
membrane. The flux or permeation rate is defined as the volume flowing through the
membrane per unit area and time. The equation that describes the flux is:
J = Q / A Δt
Where Q is the permeated amount, A is the membrane area and Δt the sampling
time. The permeability is an important parameter when considering the effect that the
addition of Gantrez™ has on the membrane performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows the time required for complete hydrolysis of Gantrez™ as a function of
temperature.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
EXPERIMENTAL METHODS
Production of Flat Sheet Membranes
A dope solution was prepared according to the following formulation :
PVDF 17.1g (17%)
LiCl 3.54g (3.5%)
PVP/VA S630 2.73g (2.7%)
Gantrez 3.09g (3.1%)
NMP 74.3g (73.7%)
100.76g PVP/VA S630 is polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer
NMP is N-methyl pyrrolidone
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
All ingredients were added together and the dope solution was allowed to mix on
heated rollers (50°C) overnight. Once removed from the rollers, the mixture was left to
settle (to remove any bubbles from the solution) for half a day.
The dope solution was cast onto a glass plate (which was notably hydrophilic)
using a glass rod and a membrane was cast by immersing the glass plate into a
precipitation bath consisting of:
45% PEG-200
45% H2O
10% NMP The membrane was immersed in the precipitation bath for 10 minutes (until the
membrane was able to be "peeled off the glass plate).
The membrane was divided into equal proportions and samples were soaked in
the following post-treatment solutions until testing was carried out:
1. 3% Tetra ethylenepentamine (TEP)
2. 3% Tris-(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS)
3. 1% Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)
4. 100% Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
5. 100% Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
6. 100% Butanol A second flat sheet dope formulation was produced to observe the membrane
without the additive PVP/VA S630. The following solution was made up:
PVDF 17.04g (16.8%)
Gantrez™ 3.44g (3.4%)
LiCl 3.88g (3.8%)
NMP 77.02ε (76%)
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
101.38g
As before, the membrane was cast in a precipitation bath of PEG/H2O/NMP, and
samples immersed in the six solutions mentioned above. The qualitative and
quantitative analysis were carried out as above and results are detailed in the next
section.
Analysis of the Flat Sheet Membranes
Both qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out on the different
membranes. The qualitative analysis that was carried out involved dipping 1cm samples
of membrane into different coloured dyes, namely Saffranin, Methyl Orange and
Fuchsin. The intensity of the colours in the membranes was examined visually by taking
photos of the membranes after they had been in the dye solutions for a day. The samples
were then placed in water, and photos were taken of the amount of colour retained and
lost by the membranes. The results are outlined in the next section.
The quantitative analysis involved the measurement of the intensity of the colour retained by the samples using a Hach Spectrophotometer.
Initially, the wavelengths of the dyes had to be calculated using a trial and error
method. Because the region of wavelengths of the colours is known (for example red is
between 500 and 600 nm) the exact wavelength could be calculated. The wavelength
corresponding to the maximum absorbance obtained, was the optimum wavelength of the specific colour.
The calibration for the range of concentrations of colours was then carried out. A
graph of set concentrations versus measured absorbances was plotted. This was
subsequently used to read off the graph unknown concentrations, or to use the calibration equation to calculate unknown values. Production of Hollow Fiber Membranes
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26 R
The following dope solutions were used for the production of hollow fiber membranes: All weights are in grams.
The generic brand of PVDF that was used for Dopes 1-3 was Kynar 461, whereas Kynar 500 was used for dope 4, which has a higher molecular weight than Kynar 461.hi the case of Dope 1 was all mixed together on heated rollers for a day and half. Dopes 2-4 were mixed such that the S630
For Dopes 1 to 3 a water precipitation bath (quench) was used. Dope 4 used a solvent quench which consisted of 45% PEG-200, 45% water and 10% NMP. The following settings were used for production:
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
For dopes 1 and 4, as soon as the fibers came out of the quench and onto the winder, they were divided into the six post-treatment solutions outlined below and immersed until testing took place: 1. 3% Tetra ethylenepentamine (TEP) 2. 3% Tris-(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS)
3. 1% Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)
4. 100% Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
5. 100% Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
6. 100% Butanol For dopes 2 and 3, the fibers were left on the winder until production was complete and then they were divided into the six different post-treatments and one stayed in the water as a reference.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
Dope formulations that were unsuccessful
Table ##: Dope formulations that gelled.
Dopes 3, 4 and 5 ingredients were all mixed together on normal rollers over weekend.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
Ouantitive Results on Flat Sheet Membranes
Using a HACH specfrophotometer, Dope 2 formulation was used and the following results were obtained :
Using Dope 3 formulation, the following results were obtained:
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO,AU
Break Extension results on hollow fibre membranes
The following results are from Dope 1 formulation. All results are expressed as a percentage break extension by length.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
Permeability results on hollow fiber membranes
LMH - Liter/square meters per hour
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
Claims (69)
1. A porous polymeric membrane formed from a blend of a polymeric membrane forming material and a polymeric reactivity modifying agent adapted to modify the surface active properties of the porous polymeric membrane relative to a porous polymeric membrane formed from the polymeric membrane forming material alone.
2 A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 1 wherein the polymeric membrane forming material is PVDF.
3. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the polymeric membrane forming material is hydrophobic PVDF.
4 A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 1 wherein the polymeric membrane forming material is a polysulfone.
5. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 4 wherein the polymeric membrane forming material is selected from polysulfone, polyether sulfones, polyaryl sulfones, polyalkyl sulfones and polyaralkyl sulfones.
6. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the polysulfone is polyphenyl sulfone.
7. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the reactivity modifying agent modifies the reactivity of the membrane surface to a chemical species.
8. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the reactivity modifying agent modifies the hydrophilicity / hydrophobicity balance of the membrane.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
9. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the reactivity modifying agent modifies the surface charge of the membrane.
10. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the reactivity modifying agent is a linear polymeric anhydride.
11. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the reactivity modifying agent is a maleic anhydride copolymer.
12. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the reactivity modifying agent is a poly(alkyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride).
13. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the reactivity modifying agent is :
14. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the reactivity modifying agent is poly(methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride) of
molecular weight 5 x 104to 5 x 107.
15. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the reactivity modifying agent is poly(methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride) of
molecular weight 8.72 x 105to 1.25 x 106.
16. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the reactivity modifying agent is poly(methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride) of
molecular weight 2.13 x 105 to 1.89 x 106.
17. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
including surface anhydride sites.
Substitute Sheet
18. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 17 wherein said surface
anhydrides are in reacted form.
19. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 18 wherein said surface anhydrides are reacted with an amine to form an amide linkage.
20. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 19 wherein said surface anhydrides are reacted with a polyamine to form a cross linked polyamide layer.
21. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 20 wherein said amines are selected from tefraethylenepentamme (TEP) or tris-(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS).
22. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 18 wherein said surface active anhydrides are reacted with an alcohol to form an ester linkage.
23. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 22 wherein said surface active anhydrides is reacted with butanol.
24. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 18 wherein said surface anhydrides are reacted with a polyol to form a cross linked polyester layer.
25. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 24 wherein said polyol is polyethylene glycol.
26. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 18 wherein said surface anhydrides are reacted with sulfuric acid.
27. A porous polymeric membrane according to claim 18 wherein said surface anhydrides are reacted with calcium carbonate.
28. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there is a negative charge on the surface of the membrane.
29. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the membrane has high permeability.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
30. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the membrane has good macroscopic integrity.
31. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the membrane is a hollow fibre.
32. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of claims 1 to 30 wherein
the membrane is a flat sheet.
33. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the membrane has uniform wall thickness.
34. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the membrane has high mechanical strength.
35. A method of preparing a porous polymeric membrane wherein the polymeric
reactivity modifying agent is blended in the surface active porous polymeric membrane
by incorporation into the bulk material.
36. A method according to claim 35 wherein the polymeric membrane forming
material is blended with the polymeric reactivity modifying agent prior to or during
membrane formation.
37. A method according to claim 35 or 36 wherein the reactivity modifying agent is
added to the polymeric membrane forming material before the membrane is cast.
38. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 37 wherein the reactivity
modifying agent is added in an unreacted form.
39. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 37 wherein the reactivity modifying agent is added in a reacted form.
40. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 39 wherein the reactivity
modifying agent incorporated into the polymeric porous membrane is subjected to chemical modification subsequent to incorporation into the membrane.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
41. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 40 wherein the chemical
modification is hydrolysis to render the membrane hydrophilic.
42. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 41 wherein the chemical
modification is cross linking.
43. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 42 wherein the chemical
modification is treatment with one or more of tefraethylenepentamme (TEP), tris-
(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS), sulfuric acid (H2SO ), polyethylene glycol
(PEG), calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
44. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 43 wherein the chemical
modification is treatment with crosslinking amines to form amide linkages.
45. A method of preparing a porous polymeric membrane according to claim 44
wherein the degree of incorporation and extent of crosslinking is selected to construct a
membrane suitable for reverse osmosis.
46. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 45 wherein the polymeric
reactivity modifying agent is incorporated into the polymeric membrane forming
material before or during membrane formation in an amount such that the combined
precursor to the surface active porous polymeric membrane is a single phase mixture.
47. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 46 wherein the porous polymeric
membrane is formed into a hollow fibre membrane.
48. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 47 wherein the porous polymeric
membrane is formed into a flat sheet membrane.
49. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 48 wherein the porous polymeric membrane is formed from a dope solution including by weight: PVDF 17%; LiCl 3.5%; . polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer 2.7%; poly(methyl vinyl ether/maleic
anhydride) 3.1 %; and N-methyl pyrrolidone 73.7%.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
50. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 48 wherein the porous polymeric
membrane is formed from a dope solution including: PNDF 16.8%; poly(methyl vinyl
ether/maleic anhydride) 3.4%; LiCl 3.8%; and Ν-Methylpyrrolidone 76%.
51. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 50 wherein the components are
selected such that the melt is thermodynamically stable and no demixing process occurs
in the melt.
52. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 51 wherein the components and
reaction conditions are selected such that no gelation occurs during membrane casting.
53. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 52 wherein the dope solution is
allowed to mix at about 50°C overnight.
54. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 53 wherein the dope solution is
formed by the DIPS procedure into a precipitation bath consisting of: PEG-200 45%; H2O 45%; and ΝMP 10%.
55. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 53 wherein the dope solution is
formed by the DIPS procedure into a precipitation bath consisting of water.
56. A method of modifying the surface of a porous polymer membrane including:
i) blending a polymeric reactivify modifying agent with a polymeric membrane forming
material and
ii) forming a modified membrane.
57. A method according to claim 56 including the step of hydrolysing at least a
surface portion of the polymeric reactivify modifying agent.
58. A method according to claim 56 or 57 including the step of hydrolysing at least a
surface portion of the polymeric reactivify modifying agent in the presence of a sodium
buffer.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
59. A method according to claim 57 or 58 wherein the surface portion of the
polymeric reactivity modifying agent is only partially hydrolysed.
60. A method of according to any one of claim 56 to 59 including the step of first at
least partially hydrolysing at least a surface portion of the polymeric reactivity modifying
agent then subsequently reacting resultant hydrolysed groups with a polyfunctional
amine.
61. A method according claim 60 wherein the polyfunctional amine reacts to
crosslink the resultant hydrolysed groups.
62. A porous polymeric membrane when formed by a method of any one of claims
35 to 56.
63. A porous polymeric membrane according to any one of claims 1 to 34 or when
formed by the method of any one of claims 35 to 56 or modified according to any one of
claims 57 to 61 wherein said polymeric membrane is a reverse osmosis membrane.
64. A blend of a membrane forming polymer and a compatible second polymer, said
second polymer being capable of chemical modification after membrane formation.
65. A blend according to claim 64 previous wherein said compatible second polymer
is compatible with PNDF.
66. A blend according to claim 64 wherein said compatible second polymer is
compatible with polysulfone.
67. A blend according to claim 64 wherein said compatible second polymer is
compatible with PNDF and polysulfone.
68. A blend according to claim 67 wherein said membrane forming polymer is of low
reactivify.
69. A blend according to claim 68 wherein said membrane forming polymer is inert.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPR1434 | 2000-11-13 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2002214802A1 true AU2002214802A1 (en) | 2002-07-25 |
| AU2002214802B2 AU2002214802B2 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
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