Highly asymmetric, hydrophilic, microfiltration membranes having large pore diameters
US6565782B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/255
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to the field of synthetic polymeric microfiltration membrane materials that are fabricated to separate liquids from solids contained therein. One aspect of the invention relates to a highly asymmetric, hydrophilic microfiltration membrane with high surface porosity. The membrane is rendered hydrophilic through co-casting the sulfone polymer with a hydrophilic polymer, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. The membranes of the invention are highly useful in testing devices for the quick detection of properties or components contained in liquid samples, such as diagnostic applications, as well as for other filtration applications that demand relatively large pore sizes, thick membranes, high asymmetry, and/or high lateral wicking speeds.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.