Abstract: A process for improving both the internal burst strengths and gas and water permeabilities of certain microporous polymeric hollow fibers useful in RO applications comprises a wet annealing process for certain such fibers.

Abstract: Improved semipermeable asymmetric fluid separation membranes useful in gas, vapor and liquid separations are disclosed. The membranes are prepared by substantially filling the pores of asymmetric cellulosic semipermeable membranes having a finely porous layer on one side thereof with a water immiscible organic liquid, followed by contacting the finely porous layer with water.

Abstract: Ion-complexing gels are disclosed for the selective removal of metal ions from plating solutions, the gels comprising hydrophobic nonporous polymers plasticized and swollen with either hydroxyoxime or phosphoric acid ester complexing agents. Also disclosed are novel ion-complexing media comprising polymeric microporous anisotropic beads impregnated with the same complexing agents. Copper, zinc and iron contaminants are effectively removed from nickel-plating solutions.

Abstract: Novel semiperimeable membranes and thin film composite (TFC) gas separation membranes useful in the separation of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, lower hydrocarbons, and other gases are disclosed. The novel semipermeable membranes comprise the polycondensation reaction product of two complementary polyfunctional compounds, each having at least two functional groups that are mutually reactive in a condensation polymerization reaction, and at least one of which is selected from siloxanes, alkoxsilyls and aryloxysilyls. The TFC membrane comprises a microporous polymeric support, the surface of which has the novel semipermeable film formed thereon, preferably by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the selective removal of metal ions from plating solutions comprising contacting the plating solutions with liquid organic complexing agents such as oximes or phosphoric acid esters or microporous material, preferably anisotropic, the microporous material being impregnated with such substances. The microporous material may be in various forms, including beads, fibers, sheets and gels. Copper, zinc and iron contaminants are effectively removed from nickel-plating solutions.

Abstract: There is disclosed novel copper ion-exchange media and processes for the recovery of cupric ion from ammoniacal copper solutions and for the recovery of spent printed circuit board etchant. The novel ion-exchange media comprise hydrophobic nonporous polymer plasticized and swollen with a monomeric organic liquid copper ion-exchange agent such as beta-diketones or hydroxyoximes. A novel copper ion-complexing agent, 1-n-octylphenyl-p-1,3-butanedione, is also disclosed. The processes essentially comprise contacting the ammoniacal cupric ion-containing solution or spent etchant with the novel copper ion-exchange media to extract copper in cupric ion form. Copper can be recovered therefrom by conventional methods such as acid stripping and electrowinning.

Abstract: Novel ion-exchange media are disclosed, the media comprising polymeric anisotropic microporous supports containing polymeric ion-exchange or ion-complexing materials. The supports are anisotropic, having small exterior pores and larger interior pores, and are preferably in the form of beads, fibers and sheets.