Advances in solvent-free manufacturing of polymer membranes Original Research Article

The objective of this study is to present an overview of manufacturing techniques (current under development) that can be used to produce solvent-free polymer membranes. The applicability of various methods is discussed. In particular, a new continuous technique by foam extrusion from the thermoplastic polymer is presented. Open-cell hollow fibers made of polyethersulfone (PES) and polycarbonate (PC) with pore diameters smaller than 10 mm and a homogeneous pore size distribution can be produced. The variability of the pore morphologies and the membrane properties are shown and potential applications for such membranes are described.