SBIR Phase I: Microporous Perfluoropolymers via Thermal Inversion Polymer Separation

* 9761249 Plimmer 该小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目提出通过热转化相分离工艺（TIPS）开发微孔全氟膜（平板和中空纤维）。 许多聚合物（例如聚砜、纤维素酯）通过基于溶液的相转化被制成微孔平板和中空纤维膜。 TIPS工艺是为不适合常规溶液工艺的聚烯烃开发的。通过TIPS方法制造微孔全氟膜的早期尝试受到高温和添加剂油的相关挥发性的限制。 在该计划中，新的可溶性、非挥发性、非结晶性全氟聚合物系列将与用于TIPS工艺的结晶性、热塑性全氟聚合物熔融共混。 传统的TIPS处理，然后溶剂萃取，应该产生所需的微孔全氟膜。 在第一阶段，我们将在平板上展示概念验证，并评估这些微孔膜的涂层。 在第11阶段，我们将（1）扩大操作规模，（2）进行中试测试，（3）评估平板和中空纤维。 微孔全氟膜目前仅以平板形式（例如“Goretex”）可获得。 全氟基TIPS中空纤维和平板产品的开发将大大扩大市场。 这包括苛刻的化学过滤，气体排放和电子应用。 ***

*** 9761249 Plimmer This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes development of microporous perfluoromembranes (both flat sheet and hollow fiber) via thermal inversion phase separation process (TIPS). Numerous polymers (e.g. polysulfone, cellulose ester) are fabricated into microporous flat sheet and hollow fiber membranes by solution based phase inversion. The TIPS process has been developed for polyolefins which do not lend themselves to conventional solution processes. Earlier attempts to fabricate microporous perfluoromembranes by the TIPS process have been limited by the high temperature and the associated volatility of the additive oils. In this program, new families of soluble, non-volatile, non-crystalline, perfluoropolymers will be melt-blended with the crystalline, thermoplastic perfluoropolymer targeted for the TIPS process. Conventional TIPS processing, followed by solvent extraction, should produce the desired microporous perfluoromembrane. In Phase 1, we will demonstrate proof of concept on flat sheets and also evaluate coatings of these microporous membranes. In Phase 11, we will (1) scale-up the operation, (2) do pilot testing, and (3) evaluate both flat sheet and hollow fibers. Microporous perfluoromembranes are presently only available in flat sheet form (e.g. "Goretex"). The development of perfluoro based TIPS hollow fiber and flat sheet products will greatly expand the market. This includes harsh chemical filtration, gas venting, and electronics applications. ***