Papers by Keyword: Membrane Fabrication

Abstract: Symmetric and asymmetric polysulfone membranes were fabricated using different of solvents; N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP), Tetrahydrofuran (THF) and Dimethylacetamide (DMAC) at different polymer concentration (15 and 20%) to study the influence of varying type of solvents and polymer concentration in membrane fabrication. The membranes were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR).The results disclosed that the symmetric, higher polymer concentration membrane contributed to better thermal and mechanical stabilities. PSF/THF membrane showed good mechanical strength while PSF/DMAC membrane illustrated great thermal stability. 20% of polymer concentration and PSF/THF membrane led to the thicker skin layer and dense structure formation.

Abstract: This paper examines processes for the preparation and characterisation of new ceramic membrane materials with potential for gas purification, based on nanostructured anodic alumina. The ultimate research goal is to develop a membrane capable of separating hydrogen from hot synthesis gas so a key factor is the ability of the membrane to operate successfully at temperatures in excess of 800°C. Two membrane materials are compared and contrasted: a commercial Whatman product and a membrane prepared in our laboratory. We have demonstrated that the fabrication conditions, most particularly the acid environment used during membrane fabrication, controls and directs the high temperature behaviour of the membranes. Membranes prepared using sulphuric acid electrolytes have been shown to withstand 800°C without distortion and without compromising their nanostructured pore array.