Abstract: Novel gas separation film membranes are made by grafting alpha-olefinic, polymerizable monomers having hydrophilic functional groups and having, e.g., about from 2 to about 12 carbon atoms, to nylon, and forming a film from the resulting copolymers. A complex-forming metal component which is active in the presence of water is provided in the film. The invention also includes the process of separating components from gaseous mixtures using the membranes. Of particular interest is the separation of aliphatically-unsaturated hydrocarbons from mixtures, for example, the separation of ethylene from one or more of ethane, methane and hydrogen.

Abstract: Hollow membrane fibers are formed from a mixture of N-alkoxyalkyl polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, di(lower alkyl) sulfoxide and water. The fibers are useful for separating chemicals, e.g., aliphatically-unsaturated hydrocarbons, from mixtures containing them.

Abstract: Semi-permeable membranes are made from polyamides, especially N-alkoxyalkyl polyamides, and water-soluble polyvinyl alcohols. The membranes are preferably formed as fibers. The membranes can be made from compositions containing the polymer components and a di(lower alkyl) sulfoxide, e.g. dimethyl sulfoxide. The membranes may contain complex-forming metal components. The membranes are useful for separating chemicals from their mixtures by techniques using an aqueous liquid barrier and complex-forming metals, e.g. for the separation of aliphatically-unsaturated hydrocarbons such as ethylene from close-boiling hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Novel separation film membranes are made with cross-linked hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol and nylon, and the films contain complex-forming metal components which are active in the presence of water. The polyvinyl alcohol is cross-linked by reaction with a polycarboxylic acid. The invention includes the membranes, their method of manufacture, and the method of using them to separate one or more components of a gaseous mixture.

Abstract: Hollow membrane fibers are formed from a mixture of N-alkoxyalkyl polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, di(lower alkyl) sulfoxide and water. The fibers are useful for separating chemicals, e.g., aliphatically-unsaturated hydrocarbons, from mixtures containing them.