Microporous Polyamide-Imide Membranes with Controlled Bubble Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for strong, chemically inert, and heat-stable polyamide-imide membranes in the microporous range for effective removal of particles and ions from liquids, with improved characterization through bubble point and IPA flow-time specifications.
Innovation Solution
Development of microporous membranes made from polyamide-imide polymers with specific bubble point and IPA flow-time ranges, including asymmetric and symmetric structures, and their integration into filtration devices for efficient filtration and purification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyamide-imide membranes are made microporous for particle and ion removal, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but structural strength and chemical stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by creating microporous polyamide-imide membranes with controlled pore structures. The membrane is formed with specific pore size distributions (average pore sizes from 0.01 to 10 micrometers) that enable effective particle and ion removal while maintaining structural integrity through the polymer matrix framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polyamide-imide polymer with controlled microporous structure. The composite nature of the membrane integrates the polymer's inherent strength and chemical stability with the porous structure's filtration capability, achieving both mechanical robustness and effective separation performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If polyamide-imide membranes are made microporous with specific bubble point ranges, then filtration precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the bubble point parameter within specific ranges (25-200 psi HFE bubble point) to achieve desired filtration precision. The manufacturing process adjusts parameters such as phase inversion conditions, coagulation bath composition, and drying parameters to produce membranes with consistent pore structures and predictable bubble point values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical characterization systems with bubble point measurement as a surrogate parameter. Instead of directly measuring and controlling individual pore sizes, the bubble point test provides an indirect but reliable measure of the membrane's filtration capability, simplifying quality control while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If polyamide-imide membranes are made asymmetric with thin tight layers, then separation performance is improved, but mechanical robustness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating asymmetric microporous membranes with a thin tight layer (≤10 microns) on one side and a more porous support structure on the other. This asymmetric structure concentrates the separation function in the thin tight layer while the thicker support layer provides mechanical strength and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses segmentation by dividing the membrane into functional zones: a thin tight layer for separation and a thicker support layer for mechanical strength. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, with the tight layer providing high separation performance and the support layer providing structural robustness.
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
The membranes demonstrate enhanced filtration capabilities with varying HFE bubble points and IPA flow-times, achieving effective particle and ion removal while maintaining structural integrity, suitable for diverse fluid filtration applications.
Implementation Method 1
microporous membranes made from polyamide-imide polymers with specific bubble point and IPA flow-time ranges... achieving effective particle and ion removal
Implementation Method 2
effective particle and ion removal while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
Microporous polyamide-imide membranes and methods for making them are disclosed. The microporous membrane includes polyamide-imide polymer, wherein the membrane has an HFE bubble point, and an IPA flow-time. The microporous membrane has an HFE bubble point from about 25 psi to about 200 psi and has an IPA flow-time from about 400 second to about 40,000 seconds. Another microporous polyamide-imide membrane includes a polyamide-imide polymer, wherein the membrane has a HFE bubble point from about 25 psi to about 200 psi. The membrane is asymmetric- and has a tight layer with a thickness of ≤10 microns. Filter and purification devices incorporating such devices are also disclosed.