Preparation of membranes based on heteropolysiloxanes

Abstract

Heteropolysiloxanes are a new type of material and can provide some advantages when used as membranes. The backbone consists of a siliceous network modified by the incorporation of special organofunctional groups. First results of membrane preparation from heteropolysiloxanes are presented. Variation of the composition by a choice of suitable starting materials together with proper adjustment of the reaction conditions allows tailoring of the properties of the material. This wide variability in the system can also be used advantageously for membrane preparation. For this purpose, different membrane preparation techniques can be applied. The best method for the coating of supports is reactive synthesis. This technique makes possible the preparation of membranes from monomers at the surface of a porous or nonporous support. General membrane preparation possibilities and basic properties of membranes obtained by these techniques, as well as possible applications, are described.