Phase separation phenomena in solutions of polysulfone in mixtures of a solvent and a nonsolvent: relationship with membrane formation

J.G. Wijmans, J. Kant, M.H.V. Mulder, C.A. Smolders

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Abstract

The phase separation phenomena in ternary solutions of polysulfone (PSf) in mixtures of a solvent and a nonsolvent (N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and water, in most cases) are investigated. The liquid-liquid demixing gap is determined and it is shown that its location in the ternary phase diagram is mainly determined by the PSf-nonsolvent interaction parameter. The critical point in the PSf/DMAc/water system lies at a high polymer concentration of about 8% by weight. Calorimetric measurements with very concentrated PSf/DMAc/water solutions (prepared through liquid-liquid demixing, polymer concentration of the polymer-rich phase up to 60%) showed no heat effects in the temperature range of −20°C to 50°C. It is suggested that gelation in PSf systems is completely amorphous. The results are incorporated into a discussion of the formation of polysulfone membranes.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1539-1545
JournalPolymer
Volume26
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1985

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