(338aj) Development of a High-Performance 30nm Nips PTFE Membrane

This abstract highlights Pall Corporation’s development of high-performance polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane with a mean pore size of 30nm and high organic solvent flux for use in various filtration applications.

A proprietary fabrication process involving phase separation was employed to prepare a PTFE phase inversion membrane. The performance of the PTFE membrane was evaluated using a range of test fluids, including organic solvents, and aggressive chemical. The selection of these test fluids was based on their representative nature and relevance to potential filtration applications. The membrane was subjected to a series of characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess the surface and cross-sectional morphology, and tensile testing, to assess its structural properties and mechanical stability. The membrane was also subjected to various chemicals to determine its solvent stability. Lastly, the membrane was subjected to various thermal conditions to assess its stability at high temperatures.

The results showed that the PTFE membrane had excellent filtration efficiency, yielding a mean pore size of 30nm. The membrane also had a high flux rate, indicating low resistance to flow. In addition, the membrane exhibited excellent chemical and thermal stability, and was mechanically robust and stable over a wide pH range and temperatures up to 200C. The 30nm PTFE membrane represents a significant advancement in PTFE phase inversion membrane technology. Its high performance and functional properties make it suitable for a variety of filtration applications, including in the pharmaceutical, microelectronics, organic solvent microfiltration, and chemical industries.