FORMATION AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF POLYETHYLENE MICROPOROUS MEMBRANES THROUGH THERMALLY INDUCED PHASE SEPARATION

摘要

Microporous membranes of low-high density polyethylene and their blends were prepared by thermally-induced phase separation of polymer/long-aliphatic chain alcohol (diluent) mixtures. The microstructures of this particular membrane, which depends on the diluent properties, polymer concentration and cooling rate, were observed by scanning electron microscopy. "Beehive-type," leafy-like, and lacy porous structure morphologies can be formed, depending on the blend composition and phase separation conditions, which were discussed by the polymer and diluent crystallization processes.