AbstractA thin layer of highly permeable, nonselective polymer is applied to the surface of an asymmetric membrane to reduce permeability through the membrane pores and defects and to render permeation through the matrix predominant. In environments which contain active moieties, the coating may be swollen and dissolved causing it to lose its effectiveness. The effects of irradiation to induce crosslinking between the hollow fiber membrane and the coating were studied. Fibers were irradiated both before and after coating with polydimethylsiloxane. Radiation dosages at 10, 25, and 50 Mrads were used. The increased stabilities of the crosslinked coating and substrate were reflected by the higher retention of H2/CH4separation factor after exposure to a solvent (i.e., isopentane) which dissolves the coating. The results also suggest that ionizing radiation also alters the structure and morphology of the dense selective layer on the surface of the styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer hollow fiber.
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