Asymmetric Hollow Fiber Membrane Composition for Gas Selectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing asymmetric hollow fiber membranes face challenges in achieving the required levels of porosity and selectivity without the use of nucleating agents, improving interlayer adhesion, and enhancing tensile strength.

Innovation Solution

The use of a polyolefin substrate layer combined with a skin layer comprising a polymethyl pentene copolymer containing at least 5% polypropylene, which is co-extruded and stretched to form a porous asymmetric hollow fiber membrane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a polyolefin substrate layer is combined with a skin layer comprising a polymethyl pentene copolymer containing at least 5% polypropylene, then interlayer adhesion and tensile strength are enhanced, but the complexity of the membrane structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidmembrane structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite membrane structure consisting of a polyolefin substrate layer and a skin layer made from polymethyl pentene copolymer containing at least 5% polypropylene. This composite material approach enhances interlayer adhesion and tensile strength by combining materials with complementary properties, where the polypropylene content in the skin layer specifically improves bonding to the polyolefin substrate while maintaining the desired separation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the skin layer comprises a copolymer with at least 80 wt% 4-methyl-1-pentene units and at least 5 wt% propylene units, then gas separation selectivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas separation selectivityVSAvoidcopolymer composition control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise compositional parameters for the skin layer copolymer, requiring at least 80 weight percent 4-methyl-1-pentene units and at least 5 weight percent propylene units. By controlling these compositional parameters within defined ranges, the invention achieves optimal gas separation selectivity while providing clear manufacturing specifications that guide production consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances interlayer adhesion and tensile strength while maintaining high porosity and selectivity, improving gas separation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Gas separation articles made using such hollow fiber membranes... improve gas separation efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas permeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

allow the selective passage of certain dissolved gases while blocking liquid water or other aqueous liquids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelective permeability: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 3

have a controlled porosity and a pore size on the order of a few micrometers... diffusion... applications

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20260070024A1Asymmetric Hollow Fiber Membrane

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Asymmetric hollow fiber membranes comprising a porous substrate layer and a skin layer are described. The skin layer is a copolymer of polymethyl pentene and polypropylene. Gas separation articles made using such hollow fiber membranes, as well as methods of making and using such hollow fiber membranes and gas separation articles are also described.