Performance of polymeric membranes

Purpose

The aim of this research work is to study the operation of polyimide gas separation membranes using mixed gases.

Summary

This research work will study the operation of glassy polyimide gas separation membranes. A PhD thesis has been submitted and passed on this work establishing a capability in gas membrane permeability testing, particularly at elevated temperatures and delivered a mathematical model to describe the performance of polyimide membranes at elevated temperatures. However, the work was focused only on pure carbon dioxide and only bulk membranes of thickness ~60 micron.

A new PhD program would focus on plasticisation and compaction in mixed gases. Plasticisation by water as well as carbon dioxide would be considered. The new work would also consider these effects in asymmetric membranes i.e., where the active layer is reduced to ~0.1 micron by coating onto an inactive porous support. This work would interface with the work being developed by A/Prof Vicki Chen at UNSW.