Ion Beam Modification of Matrimid~(~R) Gas Separation Membrane ― Evolution in Chemical Structure, Microstructure and Gas Permeation Properties

摘要

Matrimid~(~R) is a widely used polyimide that has both attractive thermal and gas transport properties. In addition, it has been used as a precursor polymer for production of carbon molecular sieving membranes with commercially interesting gas separations. Ion beam irradiation over a wide range of doses was used to modify a series of Matrimid~(~R) membranes. A combined analysis of impact of ion irradiation on the chemical structure, microstructure and gas transport properties of Matrimid~(~R) will be presented. Specifically, the evolution in gas permeation properties following irradiation over a wide range of doses will be discussed. Ion irradiation resulted in combined increased permeability and permselectivity for several gas pairs of interest.