ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Magnetic mixed matrix membranes in air separation

Aleksandra Rybak, Gabriela Dudek, Monika Krasowska, Anna Strzelewicz, Zbigniew J. Grzywna, and Petr Sysel

Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Faculty of Chemistry, Silesian University of Technology, Strzody 9, 44100, Gliwice, Poland

E-mail: aleksandra.rybak@polsl.pl

Abstract: Ethylcellulose (EC) or linear polyimide (LPI) and magnetic neodymium powder particles MQP-14-12 were used for the preparation of inorganic-organic hybrid membranes. For all the membranes, N₂, O₂ and air permeability were examined. Mass transport coefficients were determined using the Time Lag System based on dynamic experiments in a constant pressure system. The results showed that the membrane permeation properties were improved by the addition of magnetic neodymium particles to the polymer matrix. The magnetic ethylcellulose and polyimide membranes exhibited higher gas permeability and diffusivity, while their permeability selectivity and solubility were either unchanged or slightly increased. Polyimide mixed matrix membranes were characterised by a higher thermal and mechanical stability, larger filler loading, better magnetic properties and reasonable selectivity in the air separation.

Keywords: magnetic mixed matrix membranes – air enrichment – permeation – ethyl cellulose – linear polyimide

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.2478/s11696-014-0587-x

Chemical Papers 68 (10) 1332–1340 (2014)