Silicone Pervaporation Membrane for Hydrolysis-Resistant VOC Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pervaporation membranes made of silicone resin deteriorate due to hydrolysis, leading to cracks and reduced separation performance during long-term use, especially when used for separating volatile organic compounds from aqueous solutions.
Innovation Solution
A pervaporation membrane with a separation functional layer made of silicone resin, where the Young's modulus change before and after immersion in a liquid mixture is controlled to maintain a ratio of -30% or more, and the tin content is limited to 1100 wt ppm or less, to inhibit hydrolysis and prolong membrane durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a silicone resin pervaporation membrane is used for long-term separation of volatile organic compounds from aqueous solutions, then separation performance is achieved, but the membrane deteriorates due to hydrolysis leading to cracks and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the Young's modulus of the separation functional layer to be within a specific range (0.01 MPa to 10 MPa) and limiting the tin content to 1100 wt ppm or less. These parameter modifications prevent excessive hydrolysis of the silicone resin, thereby maintaining membrane integrity and preventing crack formation during long-term operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material structure consisting of a support layer and a separation functional layer made of silicone resin with controlled composition. The separation functional layer contains silicone resin with limited tin content and specific Young's modulus characteristics, creating a composite structure that balances separation performance with resistance to hydrolysis-induced deterioration.
2Ease of manufacture
If the separation functional layer is made of silicone resin with high flexibility, then membrane formation is easy, but hydrolysis occurs more readily leading to deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by precisely controlling the Young's modulus parameter of the silicone resin to fall within 0.01 MPa to 10 MPa. This parameter range provides sufficient flexibility for membrane formation while limiting the resin's susceptibility to hydrolysis, thereby reducing deterioration during long-term use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a separation functional layer with specific local properties (controlled Young's modulus and limited tin content) that differ from conventional silicone resin. This localized modification of material properties allows the membrane to maintain ease of formation while resisting hydrolysis at the critical separation interface.
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 membrane maintains effective separation performance over a long period by reducing hydrolysis-induced deterioration, ensuring stable operation and prolonged service life.
Implementation Method 1
The pervaporation method is suitable for separating a volatile organic compound from an aqueous solution containing various substances
Implementation Method 2
the deterioration of the pervaporation membranes is attributable to hydrolysis of the silicone resin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a pervaporation membrane suitable for a long-term process for separating a volatile organic compound from an aqueous solution containing the organic compound. A pervaporation membrane includes a separation functional layer including a silicone resin. A ratio R of a value to a Young's modulus A1 (MPa) of the separation functional layer before a test below is −30% or more, the value being determined by subtracting the Young's modulus Al from a Young's modulus A2 (MPa) of the separation functional layer after the test. Test: The separation functional layer is immersed in a liquid mixture consisting of n-butanol and water for three weeks. The separation functional layer is taken out of the liquid mixture and dried. A content of n-butanol in the liquid mixture is 1.0 wt %, and the liquid mixture has a temperature of 80°° C.