Physical aging in glassy mixed matrix membranes; tuning particle interaction for mechanically robust nanocomposite films
File(s)C6TA02603F.pdf (2.27 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Ladewig, BP
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Despite the exceptional separation performance of modern glassy mixed matrix membranes, these materials are not being utilized to improve the performance of existing membrane technologies. Nano-sized additives can greatly enhance separation performance, and have recently been used to overcome age-related performance loss of high performance MMMs. However nano-additives also compromise the structural integrity of films and little is known on how physical aging affects their mechanical properties over time. A solution for both physical aging and mechanical instability is required before these high performance materials can be utilised in industrial membrane applications. Here, we examine physical aging in mixed matrix membranes through mechanical properties and gas permeation experiments using three glassy polymers, Matrimid® 5218, poly-1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne (PTMSP), and a Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIM-1); and a range of nano-scale additives previously shown to enhance gas separation performance. We find polymer-additive interactions strongly influence local physical aging and play a key role in determining the overall material properties of glassy nanocomposite films. Strong interface interactions can slow physical aging, and may not correlate to reinforced or age-stable films. Whereas traditionally ‘incompatible’ nanocomposites exhibit mechanical properties that can improve over time and even outperform their native polymers. Tuning polymer-additive interactions is vital to achieving the physical aging, mechanical stability, and permselectivity requirements of advanced mixed matrix membrane technologies and reducing the enormous global energy cost of separation processes.
Date Issued
2016-07-21
Date Acceptance
2016-06-17
Citation
Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2016, 4, pp.10627-10634
ISSN
2050-7496
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Start Page
10627
End Page
10634
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Volume
4
Copyright Statement
© The Royal Society of Chemistry 2016.
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Technology
Chemistry, Physical
Energy & Fuels
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chemistry
Materials Science
METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORK
GAS-SEPARATION MEMBRANES
POROUS AROMATIC FRAMEWORKS
CARBON-DIOXIDE CAPTURE
POLYMER-FILMS
CO2 CAPTURE
PERMEABILITY
UIO-66
NANOPARTICLES
PERFORMANCE
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2016-06-20