Modeling the dynamics of membrane structure formation in quenched polymer solutions

Calculations are presented to illustrate the use of droplet growth rate data, obtained from light scattering measurements and/or spinodal decomposition calculations, to model the evolution of pore size gradients in solutions undergoing temperature-induced (TIPS) phase inversion. A simplified one-dimensional heat transport equation is used to obtain transient temperature profiles in quenched thin films, and these are combined with pore growth rates as a function of temperature and composition, to quantify droplet (i.e. pore) sizes in the final membrane. Results demonstrate the effects of quench temperature on the transient and final pore size distribution in the quenched films.