Lanoizele Elodie, Deratani Andre, Menut Paul, Pochat-Bohatier Celine, and Dupuy Claude

pp. 871 - 877

Abstract

Polymeric films were prepared from poly (ether-imide)/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone solutions using
vapor induced phase separation process at 40 ^o
C. The influence of such operating conditions as relative
humidity and polymer concentration on the final morphology was investigated in order to consider
potential future membrane applications with the objective of elaborating presupposed quality porous
materials. In our experiments, the water vapor concentration in the atmosphere used during the film
forming process was the predominant parameter governing the microstructure. Polymeric films with a
cellular morphology were produced for a processing relative humidity (RH) higher than 30% whereas dense
homogeneous films were obtained below this value. The influence of the polymer concentration was studied
at 40 % RH. The results were discussed with respect to the cell and pore size and to the occurrence of
macro-void defects.