PREPARATION OF ASYMMETRIC POLYIMIDE MEMBRANTES BY THE PHASE INVERSION PROCESS

Preparation of asymmetric polyimide membranes by the phase inversion process was investigated to develop ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and pervaporation membranes for organic solutions, using a commercially available solvent-soluble polymaide. The influences of the various factors such as the composition of a cast solution, casting conditions, gelating solutions and others on membrane structure and performance were studied in detail, and it was made clear that a wide variety of asymmetric polyimide membranes ranging from UF to RO for organic solutions could be prepared from the aromatic polyimide used. It was also found that the chemical stability and separation performance of the asymmetric polyimide membranes could be improved by annealing in a liquid or a vacuum at above 200$\circ$. The membrane annealed at 300$\circ$ in a vacuum exhibited the separation factor $\alpha(H_2O/EtOH)$ of 900 with the flux of 1.0 kg/$m^2\cdot h$ at 60$\circ$C for an aqueous ethanol solution of 95 vol%.