Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrophilic charged microporous membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a coating comprising a charge-providing agent. The present invention further provides a hydrophilic charged membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a hydrophilic charge-providing agent distributed within the substrate. The present invention further provides a filter as well as a filter device comprising the inventive hydrophilic charged membrane. The present invention further provides a process for treating a fluid containing bacterial contaminants such as endotoxins comprising contacting the membrane with the fluid to provide a bacterial contaminant depleted fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an effective and rapid method and apparatus for sintering filter blocks having a polymeric binder. The method employs direct contact heat transfer by gas molecule to powder particle, as opposed to conduction heat transfer from an external heating source, using commercially available sintered porous metal sheets and cylinders to form the mold and confine the powder, while allowing heated gas to pass uniformly through the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrophilic charged microporous membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a coating comprising a charge-providing agent. The present invention further provides a hydrophilic charged membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a hydrophilic charge-providing agent distributed within the substrate. The present invention further provides a filter as well as a filter device comprising the inventive hydrophilic charged membrane. The present invention further provides a process for treating a fluid containing bacterial contaminants such as endotoxins comprising contacting the membrane with the fluid to provide a bacterial contaminant depleted fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an effective and rapid method and apparatus for sintering carbon filter blocks having a polymeric binder. The method employs direct contact heat transfer by gas molecule to powder particle, as opposed to conduction heat transfer from an external heating source, using commercially available sintered porous metal sheets and cylinders to form the mold and confine the powder, while allowing heated gas to pass uniformly through the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrophilic charged microporous membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a coating comprising a charge-providing agent. The present invention further provides a hydrophilic charged membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a hydrophilic charge-providing agent distributed within the substrate. The present invention further provides a filter as well as a filter device comprising the inventive hydrophilic charged membrane. The present invention further provides a process for treating a fluid containing bacterial contaminants such as endotoxins comprising contacting the membrane with the fluid to provide a bacterial contaminant depleted fluid.

Abstract: A hydrophilic porous membrane is provided which comprises a network of a non-crystalline hydrophobic polymer and an in situ crosslinked hydrophilic acrylate polymer. A method of preparing such a hydrophilic porous membrane also is provided, wherein a reaction solution of a non-crystalline hydrophobic polymer, a crosslinkable polyfunctional acrylate, a polymerization initiator, and, optionally, a monofunctional monomer, is polymerized in situ and cast to provide a hydrophilic porous membrane.

Abstract: A hydrophilic porous membrane is provided which comprises a network of a non-crystalline hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic acrylate polymer. A method of preparing such a hydrophilic porous membrane also is provided, wherein a reaction solution of a non-crystalline hydrophobic polymer, a crosslinkable diacrylate, a polymerization initiator, and, optionally, a hydrophilic monoacrylate, is polymerized and/or crosslinked in situ and cast to provide a hydrophilic porous membrane.