Silica filled poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) and poly (4-methyl-2-pentyne) membranes: similarities and differences in structural characteristics and membrane performances

Interstitial cavities are observed in PTMSP membranes filled with hydrophobic non-porous silica. These mesopores have a positive effect on the permeability of the membrane. It seems they provide an extra non-selective way of transport for the gases leading to a decrease in vapor selectivity. For PMP, an increase in permeability and vapor selectivity with increasing filler content is determined. PALS measurements are in progress. The results of these experiments, especially the whether or not existence of interstitial cavities in filled PMP, can give us more insight into the structure and performance of filled high free volume polymer membranes.