We report a new method of membrane design consisting of percolating networks of pores in a triblock copolymer matrix, fabricated through self-assembly. We probed the phase diagram of this triblock copolymer system to locate the double gyroid morphology  (with Ia3d space group symmetry) rich region. This morphology should have core-shell gyroid structure with continuous poly(dimethylsiloxane)(red color in figure 1) networks inside of poly(isoprene) (green color in figure 1) shells in continuous poly(styrene) (blue color in figure 1) matrix. Circular membranes are cast from bulk polymers, poly(isoprene) is lightly cross-linked for structural integrity, and finally D- channels are quantitatively etched. Selective chemical etching of D channels leaves a network of pores lined with poly(isoprene), which can then be functionalized to enhance membrane selectivity. Apart from this, we also wish to change the pore diameter by changing the volume fraction of poly(dimethylsiloxane) channel. We wish to test these various types of membranes for basic separations in a stirred cell reactor. Characterization of block copolymer samples to determine morphology is accomplished by dynamic shear rheology, SAXS (Small angle X-ray scattering) and TEM (transmission Electron microscope) measurements.

Porous poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-dimethylsiloxane) triblock copolymer membranes

248th National Meeting (2014)

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