Abstract:
Asymmetric organic-inorganic films and methods for forming and using such films. For example, the films are used as membranes for selective separation applications. The methods combine co-assembly of block copolymer (BCP) and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), such as, for example, titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), with non-solvent induced phase separation. The resulting films exhibit structural asymmetry. For example, the films have a thin nanoporous surface layer on top of a macroporous finger-like support layer. Parameters that may dictate membrane morphology include the fraction of inorganic nanoparticles used and the length of time allowed for surface layer development. In filtration tests, the resulting membranes show both desirable selectivity and permeability. The synthesis methods for hybrid membranes provide a new self-assembly platform upon which multi-functional and high-performance organic-inorganic membranes can be formed.
Abstract:
A porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) particulate resin is disclosed. This resin is easily dissolved at ambient temperatures and pressures. The resin is made by: dissolving a virgin PBI resin in a highly polar solvent; precipitating the dissolved PBI in a bath; and drying the precipitated PBI, the dried precipitated PBI being porous. The porous PBI resin may be dissolved by: mixing a porous PBI resin with a highly polar solvent at ambient temperatures and pressures to form a solution.
Abstract:
A process for forming polymer powders by dissolving one or more polymers in a suitable solvent, followed by atomizing the solution into a droplet atmosphere of a non-solvent to precipitate polymer particles. The particles are separated from the non-solvent, washed and dried to produce a powder with a rounded particle morphology, high internal porosity and surface area, and high apparent density. Polymer powders with these properties can be pressed to dense shaped articles suitable for sintering in automated presses because the powders have good low and compressibility characteristics. The process if particularly useful when applied to soluble polymers that are not readily shaped by melt processing means.
Abstract:
A porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) particulate resin is disclosed. This resin is easily dissolved at ambient temperatures and pressures. The resin is made by: dissolving a virgin PBI resin in a highly polar solvent; precipitating the dissolved PBI in a bath; and drying the precipitated PBI, the dried precipitated PBI being porous. The porous PBI resin may be dissolved by: mixing a porous PBI resin with a highly polar solvent at ambient temperatures and pressures to form a solution.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are methods for manufacturing a porous polymer matrix, optionally containing a bioactive material. The methods comprise the steps of providing a solution comprising a polymer dissolved in a solvent, and causing the polymer to precipitate from the solvent to form a polymer matrix.
Abstract:
A polymethaphenylene isophthalamide based polymer porous film having excellent gas permeability and resistance to heat, and a satisfactory pore structure, which may be produced by a method comprising casting a dope of polymethaphenylene isophthalamide onto a support and coagulating it in a coagulation bath. The porous film may contain an inorganic whisker and may form a composite porous film together with another thermoplastic polymer film.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a process for preparing porous polyolefin particles. The process according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: 1) dissolving at least one crystallizable polyolefin in a solvent, in the absence of a nucleating agent; 2) dispersing the polyolefin solution obtained in a non-solvent in the presence of a surfactant, at a temperature that is higher than the crystallization temperature of the polyolefin in the polyolefin solution; 3) cooling the multi-phase system obtained with stirring, at a rate of between 0.05 and 10 DEG C/min to a temperature that lies below the crystallization temperature of the polymer in the polymer solution, so that firm polyolefin particles are formed; 4) separating the polyolefin particles; 5) drying the polyolefin particles. The invention also relates to a porous polyolefin particle with a high effective loadability and a narrow particle size distribution.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates a polymer dope comprising a polysulfone (PS) polymer substantially dispersed in a solvent composition comprising at least one organic solvent and at least one non-solvent additive, wherein the amounts of organic solvent and non-solvent additive are selected to enable the PS polymer to be present in about 30% to about 60% by weight based on the total weight of the polymer dope. The present disclosure further relates to a method of using the polymer dope to fabricate a polymer membrane, and use of the same in gas separation.
Abstract:
Porous cross-linked polyimide-urea networks are provided. The networks comprise a subunit comprising two anhydride end-capped polyamic acid oligomers in direct connection via a urea linkage. The oligomers (a) each comprise a repeating unit of a dianhydride and a diamine and a terminal anhydride group and (b) are formulated with 2 to 15 of the repeating units. The subunit was formed by reaction of the diamine and a diisocyanate to form a diamine-urea linkage-diamine group, followed by reaction of the diamine-urea linkage-diamine group with the dianhydride and the diamine to form the subunit. The subunit has been cross-linked via a cross-linking agent, comprising three or more amine groups, at a balanced stoichiometry of the amine groups to the terminal anhydride groups. The subunit has been chemically imidized to yield the porous cross-linked polyimide-urea network. Also provided are wet gels, aerogels, and thin films comprising the networks, and methods of making the networks.
Abstract:
Porous cross-linked polyimide-urea networks are provided. The networks comprise a subunit comprising two anhydride end-capped polyamic acid oligomers in direct connection via a urea linkage. The oligomers (a) each comprise a repeating unit of a dianhydride and a diamine and a terminal anhydride group and (b) are formulated with 2 to 15 of the repeating units. The subunit was formed by reaction of the diamine and a diisocyanate to form a diamine-urea linkage-diamine group, followed by reaction of the diamine-urea linkage-diamine group with the dianhydride and the diamine to form the subunit. The subunit has been cross-linked via a cross-linking agent, comprising three or more amine groups, at a balanced stoichiometry of the amine groups to the terminal anhydride groups. The subunit has been chemically imidized to yield the porous cross-linked polyimide-urea network. Also provided are wet gels, aerogels, and thin films comprising the networks, and methods of making the networks.