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The influence of solvent properties on the performance of polysulfone/β‐cyclodextrin polyurethane mixed‐matrix membranes
Author(s) -
Adams Feyisayo V.,
Nxumalo Edward N.,
Krause Rui W. M.,
Hoek Eric M. V.,
Mamba Bhekie B.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.39378
Subject(s) - polysulfone , membrane , crystallinity , materials science , chemical engineering , solubility , polymer chemistry , hildebrand solubility parameter , solvent , permeation , phase inversion , formamide , thermal stability , dimethyl sulfoxide , polyurethane , porosity , polymer , chemistry , organic chemistry , composite material , biochemistry , engineering
ABSTRACT This study investigates the effect of solvent properties on the structural morphology and permeation properties of polysulfone/β‐cyclodextrin polyurethane (PSf/β‐CDPU) mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs). The membranes were prepared by a modified phase‐inversion route using four different casting solvents [dimethyl formamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethyl acetamide (DMA), and N ‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP)]. While DMSO‐based membranes demonstrated particularly high permeability (ca 147 L/m 2 h.bar), their crystallinity was low compared to MMMs prepared using DMA, DMF and NMP due to the formation of thin active layers on their surfaces. Cross‐sectional morphology revealed that the MMMs have a dense top skin with finger‐like inner pore structures. Membranes prepared using NMP displayed the highest hydrophilicity, porosity, and crystallinity due to the low volatility of NMP; DMF membranes exhibited superior mechanical and thermal stability due to its (DMF) high hydrogen bonding (δ H ) values. Thus, the morphological parameters, bulk porosity, and flux performance of MMMs have a significant inter‐relationship with the solubility properties of each solvent (i.e., δ H , density, volatility, solubility parameter). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2005–2014, 2013