In order to synthesize semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) withmolecular sieve characteristics, polyetherimide/bismaleimide (PEI/BMI)chromophore composites were made through sol-gel technique. A tunable andcompatible chemical structure with fine morphology was obtained through insitu controlled sol-gel polymerization, crosslinking, chemical modificationand membrane fabrication. The novel semi-IPN, synthesized and assembled byusing ethanol as polar protic modifier and pore former, had a superiorstructure and morphology suitable for making gas separation membranes. Thesesemi-IPN membranes gave fifteen times higher gas flux without significantdecrease in their gas permselectivity than membranes prepared from pure PELThe chemical structures of these novel semi-IPNs were characterized by usingFTIR, XPS and SEM. It was discovered for the first time that in situsimultaneous ethoxylation, anionic polymerization of BMI and imidemodifications were responsible for creating the new chemical structure andmolecular morphology that was different from traditional BMI resins. Inaddition to the superior structure, this chemical processes have theadvantages of using simple green chemistry, ambient temperature and does notrequire initiators for polymerization.
展开▼
