More Sustainable Membrane Manufacturing for Water Filtration: Optimizing Solvent Systems for NIPS Processes
The NIPS process, or Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation, is a widely used method for producing polymeric membranes. With increasing pressure to meet the sustainability goals of manufacturing, industries are actively seeking alternatives to solvents. Arkema has been expanding our library of ternary phase diagrams on our polymers to provide critical insights into developments and transitions to solvent alternatives and more sustainable systems.
What is the NIPS process?
The NIPS process, or Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation, is a widely used method for producing polymeric membranes— critical components in water treatment, gas separation, and biomedical applications. The process involves dissolving a polymer in a solvent to form a homogeneous solution, which is then cast into a thin film. This film is immersed in a non-solvent (typically water), triggering phase separation. As the solvent diffuses out and the non-solvent diffuses a porous membrane structure forms.
Kynar® PVDF for membrane manufacturing
Kynar® PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) is the polymer commonly used in the NIPS process and it is known for its chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. For decades, Kynar® PVDF has proven itself as a world-leading technology while being easy to process. The PVDF membranes are highly performing thanks to this material's extreme chemical resistance and toughness.
White paper: Optimizing solvent systems for the NIPS process
With increasing pressure to meet the sustainability goals of manufacturing, industries are actively seeking alternatives to solvents. The development of a new solvent system for NIPS membrane production requires a deep understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic interactions between the solvent, polymer, and non-solvent, as these govern the phase inversion process. With this in mind, Arkema has been expanding our library of ternary phase diagrams on our polymers to provide critical insights into developments and transitions to solvent alternatives and more sustainable systems.
Download the white paper on ternary phase diagrams for Kynar® PVDF in non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) polymeric membranes fabrication.
