Researchers in polymeric membranes as well as R&D professionals will find this work an essential addition to the literature. It concentrates on the method recently developed to study the surfaces of synthetic polymeric membranes using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), which is fast becoming a very important tool. Each chapter includes information on basic principles, commercial applications, an overview of current research and guidelines for future research.

The chapters in this book are based upon lectures given at the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Synthetic Membranes (June 26-July 8, 1983, Alcabideche, Portugal), which provided an integrated presentation of syn thetic membrane science and technology in three broad areas. Currently available membrane formation mechanisms are reviewed, as well as the manner in which synthesis conditions can be controlled to achieve desired membrane structures. Membrane performance in a specific separa tionprocess involves complex phenomena, the understanding of which re quires a multidisciplinary approach encompassing polymer chemistry, phys ical chemistry, and chemical engineering. Progress toward a global understanding of membrane phenomena is described in chapters on the principles of membrane transport. The chapters on membrane processes and applications highlight both established and emerging membrane processes, and elucidate their myriad applications. It is our hope that this book will be an enduring, comprehensive compen dium of the state of knowledge in the field of synthetic membranes. We have been encouraged in that hope by numerous expressions of interest in the book, coming from a variety of potential users.

Synthetic Membranes and Membrane Separation Processes addresses both fundamental and practical aspects of the subject. Topics discussed in the book cover major industrial membrane separation processes, including reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, membrane gas and vapor separation, and pervaporation. Membrane materials, membrane preparation, membrane structure, membrane transport, membrane module and separation design, and applications are discussed for each separation process. Many problem-solving examples are included to help readers understand the fundamental concepts of the theory behind the processes. The book will benefit practitioners and students in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, and materials science.

III . 2 Preparation of synthetic membranes 72 III . 3 Phase inversion membranes 75 III. 3. 1 Preparation by evaporation 76 III . 3. 2 Precipitation. from the vapour phase 76 III . 3. 3 Precipitation by controlled evaporation 76 Thermal precipitation 76 III . 3. 4 III . 3. 5 Immersion precipitation 77 Preparation techniques for immersion precipitation 77 III . 4 Flat membranes 77 III . 4. 1 78 III . 4. 2 Tubular membranes 81 III . 5 Preparation techniques for composite membranes 82 III. 5. 1 Interfacial polymerisation Dip-coating 83 III . 5. 2 III . 5. 3 Plasma polymerisation 86 III . 5. 4 Modification of homogeneous dense membranes 87 III . 6 Phase separation in polymer systems 89 III . 6. 1 Introduction 89 III . 6. 1. 1 Thermodynamics 89 III . 6. 2 Demixing processes 99 III . 6. 2. 1 Binary mixtures 99 III . 6. 2. 2 Ternary systems 102 III . 6. 3 Crystallisation 104 III . 6. 4 Gelation 106 III . 6. 5 Vitrification 108 III . 6. 6 Thermal precipitation 109 III . 6. 7 Immersion precipitation 110 III . 6. 8 Diffusional aspects 114 III . 6. 9 Mechanism of membrane formation 117 III. 7 Influence of various parameters on membrane morphology 123 III. 7. 1 Choice of solvent-nonsolvent system 123 III . 7. 2 Choice of the polymer 129 III . 7. 3 Polymer concentration 130 III . 7. 4 Composition of the coagulation bath 132 III . 7. 5 Composition of the casting solution 133 III . 7.

This book focusses on the development of biomedical membranes and their applications for (bio)artificial organs. It covers the state of art and main challenges for applying synthetic membranes in these organs. It also highlights the importance of accomplishing an integration of engineering with biology and medicine to understand and manage the scientific, industrial, clinical and ethical aspects of these organs.The compendium consists of 11 chapters, written by world renowned experts in the fields of membrane technology, biomaterials science and technology, cell biology, medicine and engineering. Every chapter describes the clinical needs and the materials, membranes, and concepts required for the successful development of the (bio)artificial organs.This text is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students in biomedical engineering, materials science and membrane science and technology, as well as, for professionals and researchers working in these fields.

Here is the first book devoted completely to inorganic membrane separations and applications. It provides detailed information on all aspects of the development and utilization of both commercial and developmental inorganic membranes and membrane-based processes, pointing out their key advantages and limitations as separation tools. Characteristics, technological advances, and future applications of inorganic membranes are discussed in depth. An overview of the origins of these membranes provides a basis for understanding emerging technologies in the field. Coverage of thermal, chemical, surface, and mechanical properties of inorganic membranes includes discussion of pore diameter, thickness, and membrane morphology. You'll gain valuable insights into membrane modification, as well as the design and operation of membrane filtration units. Also included are sections on how to analyze mechanisms that affect flux feature models for prediction of micro- and ultrafiltration flux that help you minimize flux decline. Descriptions of cross-flow membrane filtration and common operating configurations clarify the influence of important operating parameters on system performance. Parameters influencing solute retention properties during ultrafiltration are identified and discussed or treated in detail.