Flow through polydisperse pores in an anodic alumina membrane: A new method to measure the mean pore diameter

摘要

We describe a novel technique for the characterization of the mean pore radius of self-ordered porous anodic alumina membranes. We have studied the flow of liquids through cylindrical membrane pores under conditions of very low Reynolds number (Re 1). We find that the flow data are well-described by Poiseuille's law. Characterization is achieved through the application of the Hagen-Poiseuille equation on flow measurements conducted in a simple and compact experimental setup. This setup allows for the monitoring of flow as a result of the pressure difference between the two sides of the membrane without the use of sophisticated and costly laboratory equipment. The proposed method has been tested by flow experiments using liquids of various viscosities. Good agreement is found between the results obtained from the flow data and the pore radii measured by scanning electron microscopy. Consistent results for the mean pore radius for the same membrane have been obtained in all cases. Published by AIP Publishing.