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Title: Substituted polyacetylene separation membrane

Patent ·
OSTI ID:871320

A separation membrane useful for gas separation, particularly separation of C.sub.2+ hydrocarbons from natural gas. The invention encompasses the membrane itself, methods of making it and processes for using it. The membrane comprises a polymer having repeating units of a hydrocarbon-based, disubstituted polyacetylene, having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is chosen from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl and phenyl, and wherein R.sub.2 is chosen from the group consisting of hydrogen and phenyl. In the most preferred embodiment, the membrane comprises poly(4-methyl-2-pentyne) ›PMP!. The membrane exhibits good chemical resistance and has super-glassy properties with regard to separating certain large, condensable permeant species from smaller, less-condensable permeant species. The membranes may also be useful in other fluid separations.

Research Organization:
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc. (Menlo Park, CA)
DOE Contract Number:
FG03-94ER81811
Assignee:
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc. (Menlo Park, CA)
Patent Number(s):
US 5707423
Application Number:
08/663906
OSTI ID:
871320
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (3)

Polyacetylenes with substituents: Their synthesis and properties book
Polymerization of Methylpentynes by Transition Metal Catalysts: Monomer Structure, Reactivity, and Polymer Properties journal May 1982
Gas permeability of polyacetylenes carrying substituents journal April 1985