A new method for the prediction of pore size distribution and MWCO of ultrafiltration membranes

D*DMWCO=A e(−e(−z)−z+1), z=σ−1w (σ∈[1,∞]), A=1.296, w=0.299 For any rejection coefficient, the relationship between D*/a and σ can also be described using the Extreme model. A method to predict the pore size distribution and MWCO of ultrafiltration membranes by two points was first presented and verified by hollow fiber membranes spun at different shear rates. The shear rate in the spinning of hollow fiber membranes dominated the pore size distribution parameters (D*, σ), which played an important role in membrane performance. With an increase in shear rate, the geometric standard deviation (σ) was strongly suppressed, which resulted in hollow fiber membranes with low MWCO.