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/lp/science-and-engineering-publishing-company/control-of-pore-structure-formation-in-cellulose-nitrate-polymer-BBnDW9bXBP
- Publisher
- Science and Engineering Publishing Company
- Copyright
- Science and Engineering Publishing Company
- ISSN
- 2326-5728
- eISSN
- 2326-5744
Abstract
Porous cellulose based membranes are commonly used for filtration and controlled flow of fluid through the 3D pore network in the bulk (lateral flow). It has been shown that the performance of cellulose nitrate membranes in terms of capillary driven lateral flow of fluid through the system is inhibited by the formation of surface skin layers and bulk macrovoids. These ‘defects’ are created during phase inversion when the porous structure is formed using a water anti-solvent. The work carried out in this study shows that the incorporation of ethanol as a meso-solvent into the membrane casting solution for use in vapour induced phase seaparation (VIPS) produced lateral flow membranes, effectively prevents the formation of both skin layers and macrovoids while simultaneously increasing membrane porosity resulting in an improvement in lateral flow rates of the final membranes. It is indicated that the improved performance is achieved through reduction of the rate of evaporation of solvent from the membrane surface/demixing front during membrane formation.
Journal
Advances in Chemical Science – Science and Engineering Publishing Company
Published: Jun 1, 2013
Keywords: Ethanol; Lateral-Flow; Cellulose-Nitrate; Macrovoid; Skin-Layer