Abstract: A microporous membrane made of polyolefins which comprises polyethylene (PEA) 8-60 wt. % of which is accounted for by components having a molecular weight of 10,000 or lower and in which the ratio of the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to the number-average molecular weight (Mn), Mw/Mn, is 11-100 and the viscosity-average molecular weight (Mv) is 100,000-1,000,000 and polypropylene, and which has a content of components having a molecular weight of 10,000 or lower of 8-60 wt. %, a porosity of 20-95%, and a degree of thermal shrinkage at 100° C. of 10% or lower.

Abstract: The Invention relates to a drawn polymer film, comprising (A) a polymer or polymer blend and at least (B) one additional component with an average particle diameter of between 0.1 and 15 ?m, which by means of (C) one or several secondary treatment steps is processed to form a membrane after being drawn. The average particle diameter of component (B) ranges between 0.1 and 15 ?m, preferably 0.5-8.0 ?m, with the range between 1.0 and 7.0 ?m being particularly preferred. The membranes are used for alkene-alkane separation, electrodialysis, the desalinisation of seawater, in fuel cell applications and other membrane applications.

Abstract: The present application thus provides a composite composition comprising PTFE and zeolite. According to another aspect, the present application provides a method for making a composite article comprising bonding zeolite to PTFE. According to still yet another aspect of the present application, a method for separating components of the mixture comprising contacting the mixture with a composite composition comprising PTFE and zeolite is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes of, for instance, poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene) (HALAR®), PVDF or PP, incorporating PVME or vinyl methyl ether monomers. The PVME may be present as a coating on the membrane or dispersed throughout the membrane or both. The membranes are preferably hydrophilic with a highly asymmetric structure with a reduced pore size and/or absence of macrovoids as a result of the addition of PVME. The PVME maybe cross-linked. The invention also relates to methods of hydrophilising membranes and/or preparing hydrophilic membranes via thermal or diffusion induced phase separation processed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.

Abstract: A water transfer device can include first and second flow paths separated by a water transfer membrane and a hydrophilic diffusion medium. The hydrophilic diffusion medium is disposed between the water transfer membrane and the first flow path. Water content of a first fluid stream flowing through the first flow path is transferred through the diffusion medium and water transfer membrane and into a second fluid stream flowing through the second flow path. The hydrophilic diffusion medium is operable to absorb liquid water in the first fluid stream and hold the absorbed liquid water in contact with the water transfer membrane. The hydrophilic diffusion medium is also operable to diffuse water vapor in the first fluid stream and transport the water vapor to the water transfer membrane. The water transfer membrane transfers the water in contact therewith to the second fluid stream flowing through second flow path.

Abstract: A method for membrane filtration purification of suspended water, comprising filtering the suspended water under an external pressure through a porous hollow fiber membrane comprising a polyolefin, a copolymer of olefin and halogenated olefin, halogenated polyolefin or a mixture thereof and having an open area ratio in an outer surface of not less than 20% and a pore diameter in a minimum pore diameter layer of not smaller than 0.03 ?m and not larger than 1 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions for liquid separation and water purification. The present invention includes a purification membrane having a polymer matrix purification membrane that has been treated with dopamine to form a polydopamine coated membrane with a high water flux and a high hydrophilicity.

Abstract: To provide a crystalline polymer microporous film including: a laminate consisting of two or more crystalline polymer layers formed of crystalline polymers; and multiple pores penetrating through the laminate in the thickness direction thereof, wherein an average pore size of each of the crystalline polymer layer changes along the thickness thereof.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed towards polyacrylonitrile— (PAN—) based, amphophilic graft copolymers, for example, for the production of membranes for liquid filtration. In one aspect, the present invention provides systems and methods for preparing high flux, fouling resistant nanofiltration membranes whose pore size can be readily tuned. In some cases, microphase separation of a graft copolymer comprising a backbone comprising polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and hydrophilic side-chains is used. In some cases, nanochannels of tunable width are formed, which may give the membrane permselective properties and/or anti-fouling character. In some cases, a copoylmer may be used as an additive in the immersion precipitation casting of ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes. In certain instances, the additive can segregate to the membrane exterior and/or pore surfaces, e.g.

Abstract: A cross-linked polyvinyl sulfate, copolymer of polyvinyl sulfate and polyvinyl alcohol, or Nafion® membrane is used for recovering sulfuric acid from a feed mixture comprising predominantly acid and water under reverse osmosis conditions wherein sulfuric acid is enriched in the retentate stream and water is removed in the permeate stream.

Abstract: Versions of the invention include compositions and methods for making them that include a polymeric porous membrane with one or more atmospheric pressure microwave plasma modified surfaces. The modified porous membrane is stable, non-dewetting, and retains its mechanical strength.

Abstract: A crystalline polymer microporous membrane containing a crystalline polymer microporous film containing a crystalline polymer, and having an asymmetric pore structure; polyamine covering at least part of an exposed surface of the crystalline polymer microporous film; and a crosslinking agent, wherein the polyamine is crosslinked with assistance of the crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A filtration filter including a cartridge, which contains a crystalline polymer microporous membrane having a plurality of pores, where the average pore diameter of a first surface of the crystalline polymer microporous membrane is larger than that of a second surface thereof, and the average pore diameter of the crystalline polymer microporous membrane continuously changes from the first surface thereof to the second surface thereof, wherein at least part of the crystalline polymer microporous membrane forming the cartridge is subjected to surface modification after the crystalline polymer microporous membrane is formed into the cartridge.

Abstract: A method of making a porous membrane includes, in an exemplary embodiment, mixing together a first fine powder PTFE resin and a second fine powder PTFE resin to form a PTFE resin mixture. The first PTFE resin having a characteristic of forming more and longer fibrils than fibrils formed from the second PTFE resin. The second PTFE resin having a characteristic of forming thicker nodes than nodes formed from the first PTFE resin. The method also includes forming a preform from the PTFE resin mixture, extruding the preform into a tape, passing the tape through a plurality of opposing calender rolls to form a calendered tape having a thickness of about 380 ?m to about 1200 ?m, and stretching the calendered tape in the transverse direction to form a porous membrane having a plurality of nodes and fibrils and having a thickness of at least about 100 ?m.

Abstract: A braid-reinforced composite hollow fiber membrane is disclosed. The braid-reinforced composite hollow fiber membrane comprising a reinforcing material of a tubular braid and a polymer resinous thin film coated on the surface of the tubular braid is characterized in that: the tubular braid comprises multifilaments made of monofilaments having a fineness of 0.01 to 0.4 denier, and the peeling strength of the tubular braid and a polymer resinous thin film coated on the surface thereof is 1 to 10 MPa. In the composite hollow fiber membrane, the fineness of the mono filaments constituting the tubular braid of the reinforcing material is small, that is, 0.01 to 0.4 denier, thus the surface area of the tubular braid contacted with the polymer resinous thin film is increased.

Abstract: A porous membrane, made of polyvinylidene fluoride which is excellent in fractionating capability, permeating capability and physical strength and suitable for use in water treatment such as water purification, preparation of drinking water, preparation of water for industrial use and wastewater treatment, and which can be manufactured inexpensively and easily. The porous membrane has one surface formed with round or oval micropores and the opposite surface formed with substantially slit shaped micropores. The round or oval micropores have an average ratio between the major axis and the minor axis, which is within the range of 1:1 to 5:1, and the substantially slit shaped micropores have an average ratio between the major axis and the minor axis, which is not smaller than 5:1 and the particle cutoff of the membrane is not smaller than 0.2 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.

Abstract: A hydrophilizing agent for a hydrophobic porous membrane, wherein the agent contains a surfactant, and the surfactant has a frothability such that the bubble height immediately after frothing, as measured according to the Ross-Miles method (JIS K 3362), using a 0.1 wt % aqueous solution of the surfactant at 25° C., is 40 mm or less, and preferably has a frothability such that the bubble height five minutes after frothing is 20 mm or less; a method for hydrophilizing a hydrophobic porous membrane using this hydrophilizing agent; and a method for testing and hydrophilizing a membrane module using this hydrophilizing agent.

Abstract: There is provided a method of reducing blood free light chain concentration in a subject, the method comprising the step of subjecting the subject's blood to haemodialysis, haemodiafiltration or haemofiltration. There is also provided the use of a dialysis membrane which is a membrane that allows passage of molecules having a molecular weight of up to 45 kDa in presence of whole blood, and has a molecular weight exclusion limit in water of about 200 kDa in the preparation of a haemodialysis unit for conducting haemodialysis, haemodiafiltration or haemofiltration on a subject to reduce blood free light chain concentration in the patient.

Abstract: Hydrophilic porous polymeric membranes with high permeabilities, and processes for the preparation thereof are disclosed. Membranes may be prepared by including a preferably hydrophilic cross-linkable component such as PVP (either by inclusion into the polymer dope prior to casting, or coating or quenching cast membranes); and treating the polymeric microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane with a crosslinking agent to cross-link said cross-linkable component. Preferred cross-linking agents include Fenton's reagent.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing asymmetric braid reinforced capillary ultra- or micro-filtration membranes (1), including the subsequent steps of pulling a tubular braid (5) through a spinneret (7) and coating the braid with a dope. Prior to the coating step, the braid is impregnated with a non-coagulation liquid, being a liquid which does not cause coagulation of the dope, when brought in contact with the dope. The result is a membrane with an outer skin, i.e. smaller pores near the outside diameter than near the inside diameter, and a coating which is closely arranged around the outside diameter of the braid, without any substantial penetration of the coating into the braid.

Abstract: The invention relates to microporous polymeric membrane having a good balance of rupture temperature and air permeability. The invention also relates to a battery separator formed by such a microporous membrane, and a battery comprising such a separator. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for making the microporous polymeric membrane, a method for making a battery using such a membrane as a separator, and a method for using such a battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane module comprising polysulfone type selectively permeable hollow fiber membranes which contain a polysulfone-based resin and a hydrophilic polymer as main components, wherein (A) the content of the hydrophilic polymer in the uppermost layer of the inner surface of the hollow fiber membrane is at least 1.1 times larger than the content of the hydrophilic polymer in the proximate layer of the inner surface of the membrane, and (B) the content of the hydrophilic polymer in the uppermost layer of the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane is at least 1.1 times larger than the content of the hydrophilic polymer in the uppermost layer of the inner surface of the membrane. The hollow fiber membrane module is exposed to a radioactive ray, on condition that the oxygen concentration of an ambient atmosphere around the hollow fiber membrane is from 0.001 to 0.1%, and that the moisture content of the hollow fiber membrane to the weight thereof is from 0.2 to 7 mass %.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide polymers suitable for use as medical materials. The present invention provides a polymer useful as a medical material having the general formula -(A)l-(B)m-(C)n-??(I) in which A is derived from a non-ionic monomer; B is derived from a monomer containing a primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amine group; C is derived from a monomer containing an acid group; and l+m+n=100, 0<l, m, n<100.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer membrane assembly for selective separation of permeate compositions by carbon weight. This invention also relates to a process for utilizing these polymer membrane assemblies in separation processes for selective carbon weight separation of hydrocarbon feedstreams components. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the use membrane assemblies for the selective separation by carbon weight of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream.

Abstract: A filter membrane, methods of making such filter membrane and apparatus employing such filter membrane are disclosed, in which the filter membrane is a monolithic polymeric membrane that includes a polymeric filter layer including a micron-scale precision-shaped pores and a polymeric support layer that has a precision-shaped porous support structure for the filter layer. Several methods are disclosed for making such a membrane using micromachining techniques, including lithographic, laser ablation and x-ray treatment techniques. Several filter apparatus employing such a membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition is formed by blending a vinylidene fluoride resin having a relatively high molecular weight and an improved crystallinity represented by a difference Tm2?Tc of at most 32° C. between an inherent melting point Tm2 and a crystallization temperature Tc of the resin with a plasticizer and a good solvent for vinylidene fluoride resin, and the composition is melt-extruded into a hollow fiber-form. The hollow fiber-form extrudate is then cooled to be solidified from an outside thereof by introduction into cooling medium and subjected to extraction of the plasticizer and stretching, thereby forming a hollow fiber porous membrane of vinylidene fluoride resin characterized by co-presence of crystal oriented portion and crystal non-oriented portion recognizable by X-ray diffraction method.

Abstract: Azidoaryl-substituted cyclooctene monomers and synthesized and used in the preparation of various copolymers. Among these copolymers are those prepared from ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctene, polyethylene glycol-substituted cyclooctene, and azidoaryl-substituted cyclooctene. These copolymers are useful in the formation of crosslinked films that reduce fouling of water purification membranes.

Abstract: The invention provides porous matrices that comprise one or more surfactants that can be used in non-aqueous environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of producing an integral multilayered porous membrane by simultaneously co-casting a plurality of polymer solutions onto a support to form a multilayered liquid sheet and immersing the sheet into a liquid coagulation bath to effect phase separation and form a porous membrane. The support can be a temporary support or form an integrated support for the membrane. The plurality of layers may be of the same polymer or different, same concentration or viscosity or different and may be subjected to the same processing conditions or different ones to form unique structures.

Abstract: A filter for the removal of substances from blood product has a porous element of a polymeric material consisting of a polyether-ester copolymer or of a polymer blend comprising said copolymer.

Abstract: A porous multilayered hollow fiber for outer side pressed filtration is made of a multilayer comprising a supporting layer constituted of the thickness of an expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene tube, and a filtration layer provided on the outer surface of the supporting layer, wherein pores surrounded by fibrous frameworks in the filtration layer are smaller than those of the supporting layer, and the mean of the maximum fibril length (L) of the fibrous frameworks surrounding each pore in the outer surface of the filtration layer is designed to be small such that (X) and (Y) fall within the range on the XY plane, where (X) is a particle diameter of particles captured when the particle trapping ratio is equal to or more than 90% in the case where the filtration is done under an elevated pressure of 0.1 MPa, and (Y) is a value designated as RFL obtained by dividing (L) by (X).

Abstract: The invention provides porous membranes with at least a partially modified surface as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A composite article includes a base material and a porous membrane laminated with the base material. The porous membrane has hydrophobic properties and includes at least one of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, woven polytetrafluoroethylene, and non woven polytetrafluoroethylene. A coating layer is formed on at least a portion of the porous membrane. The coating layer has hydrophilic properties and includes at least one of an organofunctional siloxane and a polyether urethane polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polysulfone type hollow fiber membrane which is reliable in safety and stability of performance and is easily incorporated into a module, and thus can be suitably used in a highly water permeable blood purifier for use in a therapy of chronic renal failure. The present invention relates to a polysulfone type selectively permeable hollow fiber membrane comprising a polysulfone type resin and a hydrophilic polymer as main components, and characterized in that (A) the content of the hydrophilic polymer in the uppermost layer of a surface of the polysulfone type hollow fiber membrane on the blood-contacting side is at least 1.1 times larger than the content of the hydrophilic polymer in the proximate layer of the surface on the blood-contacting side, and (B) the content of the hydrophilic polymer in the uppermost layer of the other surface of the polysulfone type hollow fiber membrane, i.e., the reverse side of the surface on the blood-contacting side, is at least 1.

Abstract: Provided is a fluorine substituted oligomeric or polymeric ester including the reaction product of a fluorine substituted acrylate or a fluorine substituted methacrylate; an unsaturated anhydride; and an alkyl acrylate or an alkyl methacrylate. Also provided is a method of making the composition.

Abstract: Porous polymeric membranes including HALAR® (poly(ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene)) and related compounds and the methods of production thereof which avoid the use of toxic solvents. Preferred solvents, coating agents and pore forming agents are citric acid ethyl ester or glycerol triacetate. The membranes may be in the form of a hollow fiber or flat sheet, and may include other agents to modify the properties of the membranes, such as the hydrophilic/hydrophilic balance. Leachable agents may also be incorporated into the membranes.

Abstract: Non-coherent UV-treated porous halopolymer membranes are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for removing bacterial lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acids from blood or plasma in an extracorporeal perfusion system contains, in a housing that can be incorporated into the perfusion system, a hollow fiber material that is suitable for the selective removal of bacterial lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acids, the device being arranged in such a way that the blood or plasma entering through a first opening of the housing must pass through the hollow fiber material before it leaves through a second opening of the housing and is directed to the rest of the perfusion circuit.

Abstract: A porous membrane assembly includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a porous membrane substrate having hydrophobic properties. The membrane substrate includes a first side, an opposing second side and a plurality of pores extending therethrough. The membrane substrate also includes a discontinuous layer of an oleophobic coating applied to the first side so that the plurality of pores in the first side are substantially free of the oleophobic coating, and a continuous layer of an amine containing hydrophilic polymer coating applied to the second side of the membrane substrate.

Abstract: A hydrophilic body includes a porous membrane with hydrophobic properties. The porous membrane includes at least one of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, woven polytetrafluoroethylene, and non woven polytetrafluoroethylene. A coating is formed on at least a portion of the porous membrane. The coating has hydrophilic properties and includes at least one of an organofunctional siloxane and a polyether urethane polymer.

Abstract: There is provided a porous hollow fiber of vinylidene fluoride resin which has a water permeation rate that is large per fiber and little dependent on the length, has a large treatment capacity per volume of a filtering module, and is therefore suitable as a microfilter element. That is, a porous hollow fiber, comprising a vinylidene fluoride resin having a weight-average molecular weight of at least 3×105, having a water permeation rate F (m3/m2·day) measured at a pressure difference of 100 kPa and at a water temperature of 25° C. in a range of test length L=0.2-0.8 (m) and expressed in a linear relationship with the test length L of: F=C·L+F0 (formula 1) and satisfying requirements (a)-(d) shown below: (a) a average slope C (/day) of: ?20?C?0, (b) an intercept (basic permeability) F0 (m3/m2·day) of: F0?30, (c) a relation between F0 (m3/m2·day) and an average pore diameter P (?m) according to half-dry method of F0/P?300, and (d) an outer diameter of at most 3 mm.

Abstract: A membrane includes a porous base membrane and a hydrophilic coating. The coating comprises a hydrophilic additive and a hydrophilic polymer derivatized with an electron beam reactive group adapted to form a radical under high energy irradiation. In some embodiments, the membrane comprises a fluoropolymer. Also disclosed are processes for forming the membrane.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for making microporous membranes from a polymer solution and the membranes therefrom. A thermal assist, such as heating of the polymer solution can be effected subsequent to shaping the solution, such as by forming a film, tube or hollow fiber of the solution under conditions that do not cause phase separation. In a preferred embodiment, the formed solution is briefly heated to generate a temperature gradient through the body of the formed solution. The polymer in solution then is precipitated to form a microporous structure. The formation of a wide variety of symmetric and asymmetric structures can be obtained using this process. Higher temperatures and/or longer heating times effected during the heating step result in larger pore sizes and different pore gradients in the final membrane product.

Abstract: Functionalized substrates, methods of making functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: A filter for use in filtering and treating contaminated water in an aquarium tank includes a filter bag for receiving a continuous supply of contaminated aquarium water pumped under a predetermined pressure into the interior of the bag. The wall of the bag is composed of a porous filter membrane formed of a laminate of a ePTFE membrane and polypropylene needlefelt material.

Abstract: Media for chromatographic applications, wherein the media is a membrane having a surface coated with a polymer such as a polyethyleneimine. The immobilized polymer coating is modified with a charge-modifying agent to impart quaternary ammonium functionality to the media. The media is well suited for chromatographic purification of virus.

Abstract: A filter device for the depletion of the leukocyte content from blood products comprising: a porous element comprising at least one fibrous web having a pore size suitable for leukocyte removal (possibly the range for the pore size should be defined), said web comprising fibres of a hydrophobic polymer coated with a hydrophilic polymer suitable to enhance the CWST of said hydrophobic polymer, characterised in that said web further includes adsorbent particles having a mean diameter lower than 30 ?m, said particles being bonded to said fibres by means of said hydrophilic polymer coating said fibres.

Abstract: Novel porous PTFE membranes are described possessing a unique combination of high strength, low flow resistance, and small pore size. Additionally, unique constructions with superior filtration and venting properties incorporating porous PTFE membranes are described.