Improvement of CO2/CH4 separation characteristics of polyethersulfone by modifying with polydimethylsiloxane and nano-silica

Abstract

Porous asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membrane was fabricated via dry/wet spinning process. The spinning dope consisted of 18 wt.% PES in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent. Distilled water was used as bore fluid to make hollow fiber membrane without inner skin layers. Then, a skin layer consisting of poly (4-vinyl pyridine), PVP, silicon rubber PDMS and silica nanoparticles (nanoSiO 2 ) was transferred to the PES substrate surface by means of a dip coating method, leading to a nanocomposite hollow fiber membrane. Investigation of the cross-section of the prepared membranes via scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) revealed a good adhesion between the top dense layer and the PES substrate. Moreover, tensile strength and ultimate elongation of the pristine membrane were increased 2.3 and 5 times, respectively, when the PVP/PDMS/nano-SiO 2 coating was formed on its outer surface. Finally, according to the results of gas permeation tests, the prepared nanocomposite membrane, with a CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity of 45 and CO 2 permeance of 102 GPU would be an attractive candidate for applications such as natural gas purification and control of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions.

Synergistic effect of carbon black and carbon-silica dual phase filler in natural rubber matrix

“…It is helpful to predict the tear strength of the vulcanizates by examining their fractured surfaces . Usually, the more tear line in fractured surface, the more energy could be dissipated in a tear process and higher tear strength of the vulcanizates will be.…”

Gas‐separation behavior of poly(ether sulfone)–poly(ethylene glycol) blend membranes

“…In addition, the incorporation of silica nanoparticles in the membrane can lead to a higher CO 2 P and, consequently, a higher CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity . PES‐based mixed‐matrix membranes with the incorporation of different inorganic fillers have been studied by some authors . The blending of PES with other polymers is another approach that has been used to improve its gas‐permeation properties.…”

Use of epoxidized natural rubber as a toughening agent in plastics

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