Method for providing an inner-skinned functionalized coating on the lumen- defining surface of a hollow tube

摘要

This invention provides a method for providing a functionalized inner skin on the lumen-defining surface of a hollow tube using either a Newtonian coating fluid used in combination with a relatively non- Newtonian plug fluid, or a non-Newtonian coating fluid (optionally in combination with a more non-Newtonian plug fluid). This invention enables the facile provision of a functionalized inner skin on the lumen-defining surface of tubes previously deemed difficult to coat, e.g., tubes wherein the inner diameter varies along the length of the tubes, tubes having elliptical or irregular cross-sectional configurations, branched tubes, and tubes having lumens of small diameter, e.g. tubes useful in membrane applications. Preferably, the coating will be dried or crosslinked to promote sustained adhesion and/or to increase the functionality of the coating. In one embodiment, this invention provides a method for imparting a permselective layer upon the lumen- defining surface of a tubular membrane, and/or protective layer therefor.