Performance Modification via Membrane Stretching

The objective of this research was to study the effects of uniaxial stretching on the structure of microporous membranes (especially the aspect ratio of the pores) and on the performance of these membranes as measured in terms of flux and particle rejection. The hypothesis of this research was that by stretching microporous membranes, their performance could be improved. Stretching a membrane was expected to elongate pores and change their aspect ratio (ratio of the lengths of the pore major axis and minor axis.)

This research provides the water industry and other separations industries, and the membrane manufacturers that supply these industries, with new options for membranes. Stretched membranes might improve substantially the tradeoffs among flux, permeate quality, fouling, and pressure that characterize membrane performance. This research could lead to substantial reductions in capital costs for separations processes by reducing the required membrane area for a given process.