Pore formation, permeability, and permselectivity in porogen derived membranes

Porogen derived membranes, formed on decomposition of porogen molecules homogeneously dispersed in premembranes, were divided into two groups according to permeability and permeation mechanism. The more open membranes were formed when premembranes were cast on nonwoven polyester cloth support, or when decomposition products were extracted by solvent. The molecular cut off found for these membranes was at about 1000 Daltons and permeability was mainly determined by permeants' diffusivity and concentration. Permeability through the denser membrane was mainly determined by the permeants' partial vapor pressure, leading to high permselectivities. These denser membranes allowed relatively high osmotic water permeation while practically blocking permeation of solutes, such as salt, in the opposite direction. These membranes were thus also suitable for concentration of aqueous solutions by water removal into concentrated electrolyte solutions. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.