Abstract: Halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes are disclosed herein. The halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes can be manufactured using an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that includes extrusion of polymer-plasticizer mixtures followed by sheet formation and extraction of the plasticizer with a halogen-free solvent. The halogen-free solvent has a flashpoint greater than about 23° C. and an initial boiling point at least about 50° C. lower than the flashpoint of the plasticizer. The process can further be a closed loop process in which the halogen-free solvent can be reused.

Abstract: Halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes are disclosed herein. The halogen-free, microporous polyolefin membranes can be manufactured using an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that includes extrusion of polymer-plasticizer mixtures followed by sheet formation and extraction of the plasticizer with a halogen-free solvent. The halogen-free solvent has a flashpoint greater than about 23° C. and an initial boiling point at least about 50° C. lower than the flashpoint of the plasticizer. The process can further be a closed loop process in which the halogen-free solvent can be reused.

Abstract: Laminable microporous polymer webs wish good dimensional stability are disclosed herein. Methods of making and using laminable microporous polymer webs with good dimensional stability are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Laminable microporous polymer webs with good dimensional stability are disclosed herein. Methods of making and using laminable microporous polymer webs with good dimensional stability are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A thin, freestanding, microporous polyolefin web with good heat resistance and dimensional stability includes an inorganic surface layer. A first preferred embodiment is a microporous polyolefin base membrane in which colloidal inorganic particles are present in its bulk structure. Each of second and third preferred embodiments is a thin, freestanding microporous polyolefin web that has an inorganic surface layer containing no organic hydrogen bonding component for the inorganic particles. The inorganic surface layer of the second embodiment is achieved by hydrogen bonding with use of an inorganic acid, and the inorganic surface layer of the third embodiment is achieved by one or both of hydrogen bonding and chemical reaction of the surface groups on the inorganic particles.

Abstract: A thin, freestanding, microporous polyolefin web with good heat resistance and dimensional stability includes an inorganic surface layer. A first preferred embodiment is a microporous polyolefin base membrane in which colloidal inorganic particles are present in its bulk structure. Each of second and third preferred embodiments is a thin, freestanding microporous polyolefin web that has an inorganic surface layer containing no organic hydrogen bonding component for the inorganic particles. The inorganic surface layer of the second embodiment is achieved by hydrogen bonding with use of an inorganic acid, and the inorganic surface layer of the third embodiment is achieved by one or both of hydrogen bonding and chemical reaction of the surface groups on the inorganic particles.

Abstract: Multi-layer structures are disclosed herein containing a microporous polymer web having two major surfaces and an inorganic material including nano- and micro-particles formed as a first porous layer on one or both of the major surfaces of the microporous polymer web. The first porous layer provides high-temperature dimensional stability and preserved multi-layer structure above the melting point of the microporous polymer web even as fluid permeability of the unitary multi-layer structure is decreased at elevated temperature. The first porous layer has improved peel strength as compared to an equivalent layer devoid of nanoparticles.

Abstract: Laminable microporous polymer webs with good dimensional stability are disclosed herein. Methods of making and using laminable microporous polymer webs with good dimensional stability are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A thin, freestanding, microporous polyolefin web with good heat resistance and dimensional stability includes an inorganic surface layer. A first preferred embodiment is a microporous polyolefin base membrane in which colloidal inorganic particles are present in its bulk structure. Each of second and third preferred embodiments is a thin, freestanding microporous polyolefin web that has an inorganic surface layer containing no organic hydrogen bonding component for the inorganic particles. The inorganic surface layer of the second embodiment is achieved by hydrogen bonding with use of an inorganic acid, and the inorganic surface layer of the third embodiment is achieved by one or both of hydrogen bonding and chemical reaction of the surface groups on the inorganic particles.

Abstract: A thin, freestanding, microporous polyolefin web with good heat resistance and dimensional stability includes an inorganic surface layer. A first preferred embodiment is a microporous polyolefin base membrane in which colloidal inorganic particles are present in its bulk structure. Each of second and third preferred embodiments is a thin, freestanding microporous polyolefin web that has an inorganic surface layer containing no organic hydrogen bonding component for the inorganic particles. The inorganic surface layer of the second embodiment is achieved by hydrogen bonding with use of an inorganic acid, and the inorganic surface layer of the third embodiment is achieved by one or both of hydrogen bonding and chemical reaction of the surface groups on the inorganic particles.

Abstract: A thin, freestanding, microporous polyolefin web with good heat resistance and dimensional stability includes an inorganic surface layer. A first preferred embodiment is a microporous polyolefin base membrane in which colloidal inorganic particles are present in its bulk structure. Each of second and third preferred embodiments is a thin, freestanding microporous polyolefin web that has an inorganic surface layer containing no organic hydrogen bonding component for the inorganic particles. The inorganic surface layer of the second embodiment is achieved by hydrogen bonding with use of an inorganic acid, and the inorganic surface layer of the third embodiment is achieved by one or both of hydrogen bonding and chemical reaction of the surface groups on the inorganic particles.