Full Description

In this study simulations were developed to represent thesolidification and drying stages leading to cellular morphologies common to membranesmade via liquid-liquid (L-L) thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). Diluent-extractant exchange has been experimentally determined tohave a negligible effect on membrane microstructure of the crystalline and semi-crystallinepolymer systems of interest here; consequently, the results from the matrixsolidification simulation are fed directly into a finite element simulation used for thedrying processes. It should be noted that the drying portion of the simulation package isadaptable to solid-liquid TIPS and non-solvent induced phase separation (phaseinversion) processes of membrane formation by simply changing the geometric structurein the simulations.The final simulations developed will describe the sensitivities of the post-coarseningprocesses and thereby allow manufacturers to relate porous structure andperformance to the material formation process. Computer simulation of the processeswill allow investigation into different processing conditions, diluents, and extractantswithout extensive and expensive laboratory research. The research will have a majorimpact in applications where a well-controlled structure is important for separation andselectivity. By tailoring the morphology of membranes, permeability, rejection, andselectivity can be optimized for separation applications. Includes figures.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 03/01/2007 Number of Pages: 7File Size: 1 file , 710 KB