Thin polymer layer-covered porous alumina tubular membranes prepared via a dip-coating/phase-inversion process

Abstract

Harnessing the full potential of polymers to the formation of supported thin films in other materials has been important for application in the membrane fabrication area. However, it faces the effects on the differences in properties between materials, such as chemical affinity and structure type. This paper describes a new approach for obtaining a thin polymeric film on porous supports. For this, the dip-coating/phase inversion technique was adapted. The called wet-dry process consisted of immersing a porous ceramic tube in a polymer solution (dip-coating), followed by immersion in a non-solvent bath (wet phase inversion), and finally, allowing the set to dry in a controlled atmosphere (dry phase inversion). The morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy to verify the efficacy of the method. The new technique proved to be effective in the formation of a thin polymer film supported on macroporous ceramic support minimizing intrusion into the support pores.