Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) hollow fibre membranes for gas separation

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) Vol. 52; no. 4; pp. 901 - 903
• Main Authors: Jones, C.A., Gordeyev, S.A., Shilton, S.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 17.02.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chlorides; Exact sciences and technology; Exchange resins and membranes; Fibers; Fibres; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Gas separation; Hollow fibre membranes; Hollow fibre spinning; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polyvinyl chlorides; Porosity; PVC; Surface chemistry; Technology of polymers; PVC; Hollow fibre spinning; Gas separation; Transport properties; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Wet spinning; Gas permeability; Concentration effect; Hollow fiber; Asymmetric membrane; Selective permeability; Manufacturing; Polyvinyl chloride
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2011.01.013

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) gas separation hollow fibre membranes were produced from multicomponent dopes using dry/wet forced convection spinning. Membranes spun from a low polymer content solution exhibited disappointing gas separation properties. Their low selectivities were indicative of thick skins and high surface porosities. In contrast, high polymer content spun fibres showed good gas separation properties. Selectivities were high, active layers relatively thin and surface porosities moderate. Coating with poly(dimethylsiloxane) nullified the surface pores. The favourable performance of the high polymer content spun fibres was also related to shear rate and forced convection residence time during spinning. To the knowledge of the authors, this work represents the first reported success in producing PVC hollow fibre membranes with morphologies suitable for gas separation. The development of PVC hollow fibres relates to the ultimate quest to produce membranes capable of reliably separating oxygen and ozone gas mixtures. [Display omitted]