Multi-block polymer comprising an ester prepolymer, made by combining epoxy with polyester, chain extended with a compatible second prepolymer, the membrane made therefrom and its use for separations

摘要

The present invention is directed to a multi-block polymeric material comprising an ester prepolymer chain extended with a second, different, compatible prepolymer selected from the group of prepolymers comprising (a) an (A) dianhydride or its corresponding tetraacid or diacid-diester combined with a monomer selected from (B) epoxy, diisocyanate, polyester, and diamine in an A/B mole ratio ranging from about 2.0 to 1.05, preferably about 2.0 to 1.1; and (b) an (A) diamine combined with a monomer selected from (B) epoxy, diisocyanate, and dianhydride or its corresponding tetraacid or diacid-diester in an A/B mole ratio ranging from about 2.0 to 1.05, preferably about 2.0 to 1.1, and mixtures thereof. The present invention is also directed to membranes of the above recited multi-block polymeric materials especially membranes comprising thin, dense films of said multi-block polymeric material deposited on a microporous support later producing a thin film composite membrane. The membranes of the multi-block polymeric material, especially the thin film composite membranes, are useful for separating aromatic hydrocarbons from mixtures of same with non-aromatic hydrocarbons under perstraction or pervaporation conditions.