Solvent-Resistant Polymeric Membrane via UV-Cured Cross-Linking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional polymeric membranes are not sufficiently resistant to harsh solvents and heat, and existing methods for enhancing solvent resistance, such as cross-linking and UV irradiation, are either expensive or limited to specific polymers, making them incompatible with roll-to-roll production and affecting filtration performance.

Innovation Solution

A single-step method involving coating a radiation-curable composition containing a polymer and a multifunctional hydrophobic monomer or oligomer on a porous substrate, followed by phase inversion and radiation curing, to create polymeric membranes with improved solvent resistance compatible with roll-to-roll production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical cross-linking is used to enhance solvent resistance, then solvent resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to requirement of post heat treatment and specific polymers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolvent resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-linking agent is added to the polymer cast solution before membrane formation, allowing cross-linking to occur during the casting process rather than requiring subsequent heat treatment. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-heat treatment and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining solvent resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces thermal cross-linking mechanisms with UV irradiation-based cross-linking. By using photopolymerization initiated by UV light, the process eliminates the need for high-temperature heat treatment, reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling roll-to-roll production while achieving the same solvent resistance improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If UV irradiation is used to modify membrane surface, then permeability and selectivity are improved, but solvent resistance is not sufficiently enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolvent resistanceVSAvoidcompatibility with roll-to-roll production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines UV irradiation cross-linking with the membrane formation process by incorporating the cross-linking agent in the cast solution. This merging allows simultaneous achievement of membrane formation and cross-linking, enhancing both solvent resistance and process compatibility with roll-to-roll production without requiring separate treatment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If physical cross-links are used in crystalline polymers, then membrane structure is stabilized, but solvent resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane structure stabilityVSAvoidsolvent resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure where UV-cross-linked polymer chains are integrated within the membrane matrix. This composite approach combines the structural stability of cross-linked networks with the solvent resistance needed for harsh chemical environments, overcoming the limitation of physical cross-links in crystalline polymers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 method produces highly solvent-resistant polymeric membranes that maintain filtration performance without the need for post-heat treatment or specialized polymers, enabling continuous production and cost-effective manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

coating a radiation curable composition containing a polymer for a membrane and a multifunctional hydrophobic monomer or oligomer on a porous substrate, followed, in order, by phase inversion and radiation curing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase inversion: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

exposing it then to ultraviolet light... followed, in order, by phase inversion and radiation curing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP2641653B1Method for manufacturing solvent resistant polymeric membranes

Publication Date: 2021.05.12 AGFA GEVAERT NV

AI summary

A radiation curable composition for preparing a polymeric membrane including: a) a membrane polymer selected from the group consisting of a polysulfone (PSU), a polyether sulfone (PES), a polyether etherketone (PEEK), a polyvinylchloride (PVC), a polyacrylonitrile (PAN), a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a polyimide (PI), a polyamide (PA) and copolymers thereof; b) a hydrophobic monomer or oligomer having at least two free radical polymerizable groups independently selected from the group consisting of an acrylate group, a methacrylate group, an acrylamide group, a methacrylamide group, a styrene group, a vinyl ether group, a vinyl ester group, a maleate group, a fumarate group, an itaconate group, and a maleimide group; and c) an organic solvent for the membrane polymer and the hydrophobic monomer. A polymeric membrane and a method for manufacturing the membrane are also disclosed.