Ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene Membrane Low-Temperature Precipitation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for producing ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene polymer membranes require high temperatures and large quantities of plasticizers, which are costly and complex to remove, and involve lengthy extraction processes.
Innovation Solution
A diffusion-induced precipitation process is used to produce membranes from ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers with a melting temperature not exceeding 200°C, eliminating the need for high-temperature processing and plasticizer extraction, by dissolving the polymer in a solvent and immersing the solution in a non-solvent to induce precipitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If high temperatures (230-250°C) are used for plasticization and molding, then the polymer can be processed to form membranes, but the polymer undergoes thermal degradation and the process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the processing temperature parameter from high temperature (230-250°C) to low temperature (below melting point of the polymer, typically 0-100°C). This is achieved by using a solvent-based process where the polymer is dissolved in a solvent and then precipitated by adding a non-solvent, eliminating the need for high-temperature processing while maintaining membrane formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a solvent as an intermediary medium to enable low-temperature processing. The solvent allows the polymer to be processed in a dissolved state at low temperatures, and then removed through precipitation to form the final membrane structure, thus mediating between the polymer and the processing conditions
2Ease of operation
If large quantities of plasticizers are used to improve membrane flexibility, then the membrane can be formed, but the extraction process becomes lengthy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for plasticizer extraction by using a solvent-based process where the solvent is simply removed through evaporation or filtration after the membrane is formed. The solvent serves as a temporary processing medium and is removed in a single step, avoiding the need for lengthy extraction processes required when using plasticizers
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a solvent that can be easily removed after serving its purpose during processing. The solvent is disposed of or recovered in a simple manner after the membrane is formed, unlike plasticizers that require complex and time-consuming extraction processes
3Strength
If inert compounds are added to improve mechanical properties during molding, then the membrane can be formed, but the extraction of inert compounds adds complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need to extract inert compounds by using a solvent-based process where the solvent is simply removed through evaporation or filtration. The solvent serves as both the processing medium and the component that is easily removed, avoiding the need for complex extraction processes to remove inert additives
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 process allows for the production of membranes without high-temperature degradation and reduces the complexity and cost of membrane production, enabling the use of common solvents and water as a non-solvent for precipitation, resulting in membranes with improved mechanical properties and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
immersing the film in a non-solvent bath to precipitate the polymer
Implementation Method 2
a diffusion induced precipitation process
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for the production of membranes based on ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers having a melting temperature not exceeding 200° C. The process relies on the diffusion induced phase separation of the ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene polymer from a solution and comprises the steps of providing a solution comprising an ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene polymer having a melting temperature not exceeding 200° C. in a solvent; casting the polymer solution into a film; immersing the film in a non-solvent bath to precipitate the polymer. Membranes made of compositions comprising an ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene polymer having a melting temperature not exceeding 200° C. and at least one second polymer are also disclosed.