Aromatic Polysulfone Membrane Toughness via Molecular Weight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aromatic polysulfone resin-based porous membranes are prone to clogging and damage during cleaning due to insufficient toughness, leading to reduced filtration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Developing aromatic polysulfone resin with a reduced viscosity of 0.55-0.65 dL/g, a number average molecular weight of 22000 or more, and a weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight ratio of 2.54 or less, along with a specific repeating unit structure, to enhance toughness and suitability for film materials, particularly in porous membranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional aromatic polysulfone resin is used in porous membranes, then heat resistance and chemical resistance are achieved, but toughness is insufficient leading to damage during cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the reduced viscosity (0.55-0.65 dL/g), number average molecular weight (22000 or more), and molecular weight distribution ratio (Mw/Mn of 2.54 or less) of the aromatic polysulfone resin. These parameter optimizations enhance the toughness and durability of the membrane, preventing damage during cleaning while maintaining heat and chemical resistance.
2Productivity
If porous membranes are cleaned by backflow under excessive pressure, then clogging is removed, but membrane damage such as tears or ruptures occurs due to insufficient toughness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by optimizing the molecular weight and viscosity parameters of the aromatic polysulfone resin before membrane fabrication. This pre-optimization creates a membrane with enhanced toughness that can withstand the mechanical stress of high-pressure backflow cleaning, cushioning against potential damage while enabling effective clogging removal.
3Reliability
If aromatic polysulfone resin with optimized molecular weight and viscosity is used, then toughness and durability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between durability and manufacturing complexity by establishing specific parameter ranges for the aromatic polysulfone resin (reduced viscosity: 0.55-0.65 dL/g, Mn: 22000 or more, Mw/Mn: 2.54 or less). These well-defined parameters simplify the manufacturing process by providing clear targets for resin selection and preparation, reducing variability while ensuring high membrane durability.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, an aromatic polysulfone resin is offered which is suitable as film material, especially in porous membranes. The aromatic polysulfone resin of the present invention has a reduced viscosity of 0.55-0.65 dL/g, and preferably 0.58-0.62 dL/g, number average molecular weight (Mn) of 22000 or more, and preferably 23500 or more, and a value of the ratio of weight average molecular weight (Mw) relative to number average molecular weight (Mn) of 2.54 or less, and preferably 2.50 or less.