FLAT SHEET POROUS PVC MEMBRANE

TITLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to flat sheet porous membranes pre- pared from a dope solution containing a polymer of vinyl chloride, such as chlorinated polyvinyl chloride.

[0002] Membrane separation technology is an energy saving, high efficiency physical technology for separations. Membranes have a wide range of applications from drinking water purification, to industrial waste-water purification. Current commercial flat sheet membranes are made from materials that degrade or lose effi- ciency when exposed to harsh chemicals, such as the bleach solutions used to clean purification systems. As such, the market needs a stable, chemically and temperature resistant membrane.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The disclosed technology, therefore, solves the problem of chemical degradation of filtration membrane by providing a dope solution of a polyvinyl chlo- ride polymer from which to prepare a porous flat sheet membrane.

[0004] One aspect of the invention is directed to a dope solution for preparing a porous flat sheet membrane. The dope solution can include at least one polymer of vinyl chloride, at least one pore forming agent, and at least one solvent.

[0005] In an example embodiment, the polymer of vinyl chloride can be pre- sent in the dope solution at a concentration of from about 10 to about 40 wt%. The dope solution can also contain the pore forming agent at a concentration of from about 1 to about 20 wt%. The solvent may be present at a concentration of from about 30 to about 90 wt%.

[0006] The dope solution can also contain processing aids such as surfactants, drying agents, catalysts, co-solvents, such as polar aprotic solvents, or any combina- tion thereof.

[0007] In addition to the polymer of vinyl chloride, the dope solution can in clude additional polymers, such as, for example, an oligomeric or polymeric additive formed from two or more of: i) a zwitterionic monomer or a polyalkylene glycol monomer; ii) a silicone or fluorocarbon monomer, or combinations thereof; or iii) an alky 1 substituted methacrylate, acrylate, acrylamide, or vinyl monomer, or combi- nations thereof. Other additional polymers can include polyurethane polymers, such as, for example, a polyurethane polymer containing (a) poly(alkylene oxide) side- chain units, and (b) poly(ethylene oxide) main-chain units.

[0008] Another aspect of the invention is directed toward a flat sheet porous membrane. The flat sheet porous membrane includes a flat sheet cast from the dope solution described herein.

[0009] In one aspect, the porous flat sheet membrane can have pores suitable for microfiltration. In another aspect, the porous flat sheet membrane can have pores suitable for ultrafiltration. In a further aspect, the porous flat sheet membrane can have pores suitable for nanofiltration.

[0010] The membrane can have either an asymmetric pore distribution or sym metric pore distribution. Likewise, the membrane can have skin layer or no skin layer. In an embodiment, the membrane can have an integral skin layer.

[0011] Another aspect of the invention is directed toward a method for manu facturing the flat sheet porous membrane. The method can include preparing a dope solution as described herein, casting a flat sheet of the doping solution on a surface, and immersing the flat sheet of the doping solution in a quenching environment for a sufficient period to allow phase inversion.

[0012] In an embodiment, the quenching environment can include a coagula tion bath having water, and optionally at least one solvent. In another embodiment, the quenching environment can include a vapor diffusion chamber. In a further em bodiment, the quenching environment can include a solvent diffusion chamber.

[0013] An additional aspect of the invention is directed toward a method of treating an effluent stream by filtering the effluent through the flat sheet porous mem brane described herein. In an embodiment, the effluent stream can include a gas in gas stream. In an embodiment, the effluent stream can include a gas in liquid stream. In an embodiment, the effluent stream can include a liquid in liquid stream. In another embodiment, the effluent stream can include suspended solids in liquid stream. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Various preferred features and embodiments will be described below by way of non-limiting illustration.

DOPE SOLUTION

[0015] There is provided, in one aspect of the disclosed technology, a dope so- lution for preparing a porous flat sheet membrane. The dope solution can include at least one polymer of vinyl chloride, at least one pore forming agent, and at least one solvent.

[0016] The dope solution provided herein contains, at least in part, a polymer of vinyl chloride. Polymers of vinyl chloride include, for example, polyvinyl chlo- ride (“PVC”) or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (“CPVC”), which may collectively be referred to herein as“(C)PVC.”

[0017] (C)PVC resins are both known to the art and to the literature and are commercially available. CPVC can be prepared by chlorinating PVC resin and there are considerations pertaining to the PVC, whether it being used in the dope solution itself, and ultimately the flat sheet porous membrane itself, or as a precursor from which a CPVC product may be derived for use in the dope solution/flat sheet porous membrane. The molecular weight of PVC suitable for the dope solution/membrane, as indicated by inherent viscosity (I.V.) measurement per ASTM D1243, should gen erally range from about 0.4 to about 1.4 at the extremes. Desirably, the I.V. of the PVC employed (itself, or as precursor to the CPVC) falls within a range of from about 0.6 to about 1.4, or from about 0.5 to 1.3, or even from about 0.54 to 1.2, or about 0.6 to 1.1, and in some embodiments from about 0.65 to 0.90 or 0.92, or even from about 0.65 to 1.

[0018] (C)PVC resin suitable for the dope solution/membrane can have a chlo rine content of from about 56 to about 72 wt% based on the weight of the polymer, or from about 58 to about 71 wt%, or about 59 to about 70 wt%. In terms of the various resins, PVC resin suitable for the dope solution/membrane can have a chlorine con tent of about 57 to about 58 weight percent (wt%), such as from about 56 to about 59 wt%. CPVC resin suitable for the dope solution/membrane can include CPVC having a chlorine content of from about 59.0 to about 72.0 wt%, or from about 60.0 to about 70.0 or 71.0 wt%, and even from about 63.0 to about 68.0 or 69.0 wt%, or between about 64.0 or 65.0 and 67.0 wt%. [0019] The dope solution can contain (C)PVC (i.e., either PVC or CPVC or a combination thereof) at a concentration of from about 10 to about 40 wt%, or for example, about 15 to 30 wt%, or even from about 18 to 25 wt%.

[0020] Other polymers can be included in the dope solution along with the

(C)PVC. When included, these other polymers may be included in the dope solution at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 15 wt% of the dope solution. The other polymers may also be included in the dope solution at a concentration of from about 0.5 to about 12 wt%, or 1 to 10 wt%. Examples of other polymers include, for ex- ample, surface-modified polymers and thermoplastic polyurethanes.

[0021] In one embodiment, the dope solution can contain (C)PVC and a sur face-modified polymer composition formed from an oligomeric or polymeric additive and a base polymer, such as that described in WO2016/172460A1, published October 27, 2016. More particularly, the surface modified polymer composition can be an oligomeric or polymeric additive formed from two or more of: i) a zwitterionic mon omer or a polyalkylene glycol monomer; ii) a silicone or fluorocarbon monomer, or combinations thereof; or iii) an alky substituted methacrylate, acrylate, acrylamide, or vinyl monomer, or combinations thereof.

[0022] The surface-modified polymer composition as disclosed herein can in clude an oligomeric or polymeric additive formed from i) a zwitterionic monomer, such as, for example, a phosphorylcholine, a carboxybetaine, a sulfobetaine, or a pol yalkylene glycol monomer. In some embodiments, the zwitterionic monomers incor porated into the oligomeric or polymeric additives are present in an amount from 10- 40 mole percent of the total monomer composition of the additive.

[0023] In one embodiment, the oligomeric or polymeric additive can further, or alternatively, include a polyalkylene glycol monomer. Suitable polyalkylene gly col monomers include, but are not limited to acrylate, methacrylate esters of poly ether polyols having a total of from 2 to 100 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the polyalkylene glycol monomer can be present in an amount from about 10 mole % to about 50 mole % of the total monomer composition of the additive.

[0024] The oligomeric or polymeric additive of the surface-modified polymer composition can also include a bloom-promoting monomer. The bloom-promoting monomer can include a silicone or fluorocarbon monomer, or combinations thereof, such as, for example, a functionalized polysiloxane, such as mono- or multi-function alized acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl or allyl functionalized polysiloxanes, mono vinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxanes; mono methacryloxypropyl terminated polydime- thylsiloxanes, vinyl terminated trifluoropropylmethylsiloxane; and monoallyl-mono trimethylsiloxy terminated polyethylene oxide.

[0025] In some embodiments, the oligomeric or polymeric additive can in clude a fluorocarbon monomer. The fluorocarbon monomer may be represented by the following formula:

D-E-F

wherein D is a polymerizable group selected from acrylate, methacrylate or vinyl or an active hydrogen group selected from an alcohol, an amine or a thiol, E is an op- tional linking group; and F is fluorocarbon group which can be perfluorinated or par tially fluorinated. The silicone or fluorocarbon monomer can be present, in one em bodiment, in an amount from about 5% to about 40% of the total monomer composi tion of the additive.

[0026] The amount of the various monomers used to make the oligomeric or polymeric additive of the surface modified polymer composition are typically in the range of 10-60 mole percent of the total additive composition. The amount of each specific monomer which is useful in the invention will depend on which specific monomer from each class of monomers is used and the base polymer into which the additive is being blended. For example, for a PTMEG based aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane polymer, additives which contain from about 10 to about 30 mole per cent of a fluorocarbon methacrylates, from about 10 to about 30 percent of polyeth yleneglycol methacrylate and from about 40 to about 80 percent of methylmethacry late has been shown to be effective to impart non-fouling and/or non-thrombogenic surfaces to the TREG base polymer with which it is blended.

[0027] The oligomeric or polymeric additive may be formed via addition polymerization (radical, cationic and ionic) or condensation polymerization.

[0028] The surface modified polymer composition also includes a base polymer.

In some embodiments, the base polymer includes a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyam ide, a polyethylene, a polyester, a polyvinylchloride, a polysulfone, a polysiloxane, a pol yether sulfone, a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polycaprolactone, a polydioxanone, a poly(l, 3 -trimethylene) carbonate, a polytyrosine carbonate, a polyacrylate, a polymethac rylate, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyketone, a polyamine, polyimine, and combinations thereof. [0029] The surface-modified polymer composition may be prepared by melt pro- cessing of the additive into the polymer, incorporation of the additive during polymer syn thesis, casting, spinning, precipitating or coagulating a solvent mixture containing the ad- ditive and the polymer, or coating of the polymer composition onto a material.

[0030] In one embodiment, the dope solution can contain (C)PVC and a ther moplastic polyurethane polymer (“TPU”). It is well understood by those skilled in the art that“polyurethane” is a generic term used to describe polymers obtained by reacting isocyanates with at least one hydroxyl-containing compound, amine-con taining compound, or mixture thereof. It also is well understood by those skilled in the art that polyurethanes can also include allophanate, biuret, carbodiimide, oxazol- idinyl, isocyanurate, uretdione, and other linkages in addition to urethane and urea linkages.

[0031] The TPUs suitable for the dope solution/membrane will include at least one polyisocyanate. Polyisocyanates have an average of about two or more isocyanate groups, preferably an average of about two to about four isocyanate groups and include aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic, and aromatic polyisocyanates, used alone or in mixtures of two or more. Diisocyanates are more preferred.

[0032] Specific examples of suitable aliphatic polyisocyanates include alpha, omega-alkylene diisocyanates having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms, such as hexam ethyl ene- 1, 6-diisocyanate, l,l2-dodecane diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-hexamethylene diisocya nate, 2,4,4-trimethyl-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2-methyl-l,5-pentamethylene diisocy anate, and the like. Polyisocyanates having fewer than 5 carbon atoms can be used but are less preferred because of their high volatility and toxicity. Preferred aliphatic polyisocya nates include hexam ethyl ene-l, 6-diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-hexamethylene-diisocya- nate, and 2,4,4-trimethyl-hexamethylene diisocyanate.

[0033] Specific examples of suitable cycloaliphatic polyisocyanates include dicy- clohexylmethane diisocyanate, (commercially available as Desmodur™ W from Bayer Corporation), isophorone diisocyanate, 1, 4-cyclohexane diisocyanate, l,3-bis-(isocy- anatomethyl) cyclohexane, and the like. Preferred cycloaliphatic polyisocyanates include dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate and isophorone diisocyanate.

[0034] Specific examples of suitable araliphatic polyisocyanates include m-tetra- methyl xylylene diisocyanate, p-tetram ethyl xylylene diisocyanate, l,4-xylylene diisocy anate, l,3-xylylene diisocyanate, and the like. A preferred araliphatic polyisocyanate is tetram ethyl xylylene diisocyanate. [0035] Examples of suitable aromatic polyisocyanates include 4,4'-diphenyl- methylene diisocyanate), toluene diisocyanate, their isomers, naphthalene diisocyanate, and the like. A preferred aromatic polyisocyanate is toluene diisocyanate.

[0036] The TPUs suitable for the dope solution/membrane can also include at least one active hydrogen-containing compound. The term“active hydrogen-containing” refers to compounds that are a source of active hydrogen and that can react with isocyanate groups via the following reaction:— NCO+H— X — NH— C(=0)— X. Examples of suitable active hydrogen-containing compounds include but are not limited to polyols, poythiols and polyamines.

[0037] The term“polyol” denotes any high molecular weight product having an average of about two or more hydroxyl groups per molecule. Examples of such polyols include higher polymeric polyols such as polyester polyols and polyether polyols, as well as polyhydroxy polyester amides, hydroxyl-containing polycaprolactones, hydroxyl-con taining acrylic interpolymers, hydroxyl -containing epoxides, polyhydroxy polycarbonates, polyhydroxy polyacetals, polyhydroxy polythioethers, polysiloxane polyols, ethoxylated polysiloxane polyols, polybutadiene polyols and hydrogenated polybutadiene polyols, pol yacrylate polyols, halogenated polyesters and polyethers, and the like, and mixtures thereof. The polyester polyols, polyether polyols, polycarbonate polyols, polysiloxane pol yols, and ethoxylated polysiloxane polyols are preferred.

[0038] A preferred polyester polyol is a diol. Preferred polyester diols include poly(butanediol adipate); hexane diol adipic acid and isophthalic, acid polyesters such as hexane adipate isophthalate polyester; hexane diol neopentyl glycol adipic acid polyester diols, as well as propylene glycol maleic anhydride adipic acid polyester diols, and hexane diol neopentyl glycol fumaric acid polyester diols.

[0039] Polyether diols may be substituted in whole or in part for the polyester di ols. Preferred polyethers include polypropylene glycol), polytetrahydrofuran, and copol ymers of poly(ethylene glycol) and polypropylene glycol).

[0040] Polycarbonates include those obtained from the reaction of (A) diols such

1, 3-propanediol, l,4-butanediol, l,6-hexanediol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tet- raethylene glycol, and the like, and mixtures thereof with (B) diarylcarbonates such as diphenylcarbonate or phosgene.

[0041] Polyacetals include the compounds that can be prepared from the reaction of (A) aldehydes, such as formaldehyde and the like, and (B) glycols such as diethylene glycol, tri ethylene glycol, ethoxylated 4,4 '-dihydroxy-diphenyl dimethylmethane, 1, 6-hex - anediol, and the like. Polyacetals can also be prepared by the polymerization of cyclic acetals.

[0042] Instead of a long-chain polyol, a long-chain amine may also be used to pre pare the TPU. Suitable long-chain amines include polyester amides and polyamides, such as the predominantly linear condensates obtained from reaction of (A) polybasic saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids or their anyhydrides, and (B) polyvalent saturated or un saturated aminoalcohols, diamines, polyamines, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

[0043] Diamines and polyamines are among the preferred compounds useful in preparing the aforesaid polyester amides and polyamides. Suitable diamines and polyam ines include l,2-diaminoethane, l,6-diaminohexane, 2-methyl-l,5-pentanediamine, 2, 2,4- trimethyl- l,6-hexanediamine, l,l2-diaminododecane, 2-aminoethanol, 2-[(2-ami- noethyl)amino] -ethanol, piperazine, 2,5-dimethylpiperazine, 1 -amino-3 -aminom ethyl- 3, 5, 5-trimethylcyclohexane (isophorone diamine or IPDA), bis-(4-aminocyclohexyl)-me- thane, bis-(4-amino-3-methyl-cyclohexyl)-methane, l,4-diaminocyclohexane, l,2-propyl- enediamine, hydrazine, urea, amino acid hydrazides, hydrazides of semicarbazidocarbox- ylic acids, bis-hydrazides and bis-semicarbazides, diethylene triamine, triethylene tetra- mine, tetraethylene pentamine, pentaethylene hexamine, N,N,N-tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine, N-(2-piperazinoethyl)-ethylene diamine, N,N'-bis-(2-aminoethyl)-piperazine, N,N,N'- tris-(2-aminoethyl)ethylene diamine, N-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethyl]-N'-(2-ami- noethyl)-piperazine, N-(2-aminoethyl)-N'-(2-piperazinoethyl)-ethylene diamine, N,N-bis- (2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-piperazinoethyl)amine, N,N-bis-(2-piperazinoethyl)-amine, polyeth ylene imines, iminobispropylamine, guanidine, melamine, N-(2-aminoethyl)- 1,3 -propane diamine, 3,3'-diaminobenzidine, 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine, polyoxypropylene amines, tetrapropylenepentamine, tripropylenetetramine, N,N-bis-(6-aminohexyl)amine, N,N'- bis-(3-aminopropyl)ethylene diamine, and 2,4-bis-(4'-aminobenzyl)-aniline, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Preferred diamines and polyamines include 1 -amino-3 -aminome- thyl-3, 5, 5-trimethyl-cyclohexane (isophorone diamine or IPDA), bis-(4-aminocyclo- hexyl)-m ethane, bis-(4-amino-3 -methyl cy cl ohexyl)-m ethane, ethylene diamine, di ethy lene triamine, triethylene tetramine, tetraethylene pentamine, and pentaethylene hexamine, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Other suitable diamines and polyamines include Jef- famine® D-2000 and D-4000, which are amine-terminated polypropylene glycols, differ ing only by molecular weight, and which are available from Huntsman Chemical Com pany. [0044] The TPU may include side-chains prepared, for example, from alkylene oxides. As used herein, the term“alkylene oxide” includes both alkylene oxides and sub- stituted alkylene oxides having 2 to 10 carbon atoms. The active hydrogen-containing compounds can have poly(alkylene oxide) side chains sufficient in amount to comprise about 12 wt. % to about 80 wt. %, preferably about 15 wt. % to about 60 wt. %, and more preferably about 20 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, of poly(alkylene oxide) units in the TPU on a dry weight basis. At least about 50 wt. %, preferably at least about 70 wt. %, and more preferably at least about 90 wt. % of the poly(alkylene oxide) side-chain units comprise poly(ethylene oxide), and the remainder of the side-chain poly(alkylene oxide) units can comprise alkylene oxide and substituted alkylene oxide units having from 3 to about 10 carbon atoms, such as propylene oxide, tetram ethylene oxide, butylene oxides, epichloro- hydrin, epibromohydrin, allyl glycidyl ether, styrene oxide, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

[0045] Preferably such active hydrogen-containing compounds provide less than about 25 wt. %, more preferably less than about 15 wt. % and most preferably less than about 5 wt. % poly(ethylene oxide) units in the backbone (main chain) based upon the dry weight of TPU. Preferably the amount of the side-chain units is (i) at least about 30 wt. % when the molecular weight of the side-chain units is less than about 600 grams/mole, (ii) at least about 15 wt. % when the molecular weight of the side-chain units is from about 600 to about 1,000 grams/mole, and (iii) at least about 12 wt. % when the molecular weight of said side-chain units is more than about 1,000 grams/mole. Mixtures of active hydrogen- containing compounds having such poly(alkylene oxide) side chains can be used with ac tive hydrogen-containing compounds not having such side chains.

[0046] Preferably the TPU also have reacted therein at least one active hydrogen- containing compound not having said side chains and typically ranging widely in molec ular weight from about 50 to about 10,000 grams/mole, preferably about 200 to about 6,000 grams/mole, and more preferably about 300 to about 3,000 grams/mole. Suitable active-hydrogen containing compounds not having said side chains include any of the amines and polyols described.

[0047] The ratio of isocyanate to active hydrogen in the TPU typically ranges from about 1.3/1 to about 2.5/1, preferably from about 1.5/1 to about 2.1/1, and more preferably from about 1.7/1 to about 2/1.

[0048] The TPU may also include compounds having at least one crosslinkable functional group. Compounds having at least one crosslinkable functional group include those having carboxylic, carbonyl, amine, hydroxyl, and hydrazide groups, and the like, and mixtures of such groups. The typical amount of such optional compound is up to about 1 milliequivalent, preferably from about 0.05 to about 0.5 milliequivalent, and more pref- erably from about 0.1 to about 0.3 milliequivalent per gram of TPU on a dry weight basis.

[0049] The preferred monomers for incorporation into the TPU are hydroxy-car boxylic acids having the general formula (HO) _x Q(COOH) _y , wherein Q is a straight or branched hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and x and y are 1 to 3. Exam ples of such hydroxy-carboxylic acids include citric acid, dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA), dimethylol butanoic acid (DMBA), glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, dihy- droxymalic acid, tartaric acid, hydroxypivalic acid, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Di hydroxy-carboxylic acids are more preferred with dimethylolpropanoic acid (DMPA) be ing most preferred.

[0050] Other suitable compounds providing crosslinkability include thioglycolic acid, 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

[0051] The formation of the TPU may be achieved without the use of a catalyst.

However, a catalyst is preferred in some instances. Examples of suitable catalysts include stannous octoate, dibutyl tin dilaurate, and tertiary amine compounds such as triethylamine and bis-(dimethylaminoethyl) ether, morpholine compounds such as b,b'-dimorpho- linodiethyl ether, bismuth carboxylates, zinc bismuth carboxylates, iron (III) chloride, po tassium octoate, potassium acetate, and DABCO® (diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), from Air Products. The preferred catalyst is a mixture of 2-ethylhexanoic acid and stannous octoate, e.g., FASCAT® 2003 from Elf Atochem North America. The amount of catalyst used is typically from about 5 to about 200 parts per million of the total weight of prepolymer reactants.

[0052] Optional neutralization of the prepolymer having pendant carboxyl groups converts the carboxyl groups to carboxylate anions, thus having a water-dispersibility en hancing effect. Suitable neutralizing agents include tertiary amines, metal hydroxides, am monium hydroxide, phosphines, and other agents well known to those skilled in the art. Tertiary amines and ammonium hydroxide are preferred, such as triethyl amine (TEA), dimethyl ethanolamine (DMEA), N-methyl morpholine, and the like, and mixtures thereof. It is recognized that primary or secondary amines may be used in place of tertiary amines, if they are sufficiently hindered to avoid interfering with the chain extension process.

[0053] The TPU may include a chain extender. As a chain extender, at least one of water, inorganic or organic polyamine having an average of about 2 or more primary and/or secondary amine groups, polyalcohols, ureas, or combinations thereof is suitable for use in the present invention. Suitable organic amines for use as a chain extender include diethylene triamine (DETA), ethylene diamine (EDA), meta-xylylenediamine (MXDA), aminoethyl ethanolamine (AEEA), 2-methyl pentane diamine, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Also suitable for practice in the present invention are propylene diamine, butylene diamine, hexamethylene diamine, cyclohexylene diamine, phenylene diamine, tolylene di- amine, 3,3-dichlorobenzidene, 4,4'-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline), 3,3-dichloro-4,4-dia- mino diphenylmethane, sulfonated primary and/or secondary amines, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Suitable inorganic amines include hydrazine, substituted hydrazines, and hydrazine reaction products, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Suitable polyalcohols in clude those having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, butanediols, hexanediol, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Suitable ureas include urea and it derivatives, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Hydrazine is preferred and is most preferably used as a solution in water. The amount of chain extender typically ranges from about 0.5 to about 0.95 equivalents based on available isocyanate.

[0054] The TREG can be prepared in the presence of a plasticizer. Plasticizers well known to the art can be selected for use in this invention according to parameters such as compatibility with the particular polyurethane and desired properties of the final compo sition, such as those listed in WIPO Publication WO 02/08327 Al (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The plasticizers typically are used in amounts from about 2 wt. % to about 100 wt. %, preferably from about 5 to about 50 wt. %, and more preferably from about 5 to about 30 wt. %, based on polyurethane dry weight. The optimum amount of plasticizer is determined according to the particular application, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0055] Suitable plasticizers include ester derivatives of such acids and anhydrides as adipic acid, azelaic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, dimer acids, fumaric acid, isobutyric acid, isophthalic acid, lauric acid, linoleic acid, maleic acid, maleic anyhydride, melissic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, phosphoric acid, phthalic acid, ricinoleic acid, sebacic acid, stearic acid, succinic acid, l,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Also suitable are epoxidized oils, glycerol derivatives, paraffin deriva tives, sulfonic acid derivatives, and the like, and mixtures thereof and with the aforesaid derivatives. Specific examples of such plasticizers include diethylhexyl adipate, heptyl nonyl adipate, diisodecyl adipate, the adipic acid polyesters, dicapryl adipate, dimethyl azelate, diethylene glycol dibenzoate and dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, polyethylene gly col dibenzoate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-l,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate benzoate, 2, 2, 4-trime thyl -1,3 -pentanediol diisobutyrate, methyl (or ethyl, or butyl) phthalyl ethyl glycolate, tri ethyl citrate, dibutyl fumarate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-l,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, methyl laurate, methyl linoleate, di-n-butyl maleate, tricapryl trimellitate, heptyl nonyl trimelli- tate, triisodecyl trimellitate, triisononyl trimellitate, isopropyl myri state, butyl oleate, me- thyl palmitate, tricresyl phosphate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, octyl decyl phthalate, diisodecyl phthalate, heptyl nonyl phthalate, diundecyl phthalate, ditri decyl phthalate, di cyclohexyl phthalate, diphenyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalates such as the n-butylbenzyl ester of o-phthalic acid, isodecyl benzyl phthalate, alkyl (C7/C9) benzyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate, 7-(2,6,6,8-tetramethyl-4-oxa-3-oxo-nonyl) benzyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate, bu- tyl ricinoleate, dimethyl sebacate, methyl stearate, diethyl succinate, the butyl phenylme- thyl ester of l,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, epoxidized linseed oil, glycerol triacetate, chlo- roparaffms having about 40% to about 70% Cl, o,p-toluenesulfonamide, N-ethyl p-toluene sulfonamide, N-cyclohexyl p-toluene sulfonamide, sulfonamide-formaldehyde resin, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Other suitable plasticizers known to those skilled in the art include castor oil, sunflower seed oil, soybean oil, aromatic petroleum condensate, par tially hydrogenated terphenyls, silicone plasticizers such as dimethicone copolyol esters, dimethiconol esters, silicone carboxylates, guerbet esters, and the like, alone or as mixtures with other plasticizers.

[0056] Examples of suitable reactive plasticizers include compositions and mix tures having ethylenic unsaturation, such as triallyl trimellitate (TATM), Stepanol PD- 200LV (a mixture of (1) unsaturated oil and (2) polyester diol reaction product of o- phthalic acid and diethylene glycol from Stepan Company), and the like, and mixtures thereof. Other suitable reactive plasticizers include epoxidized plasticizers, including cer tain monofuctional and polyfunctional glycidyl ethers such as polyglycidyl ether of castor oil and dimer acid diglycidyl ether, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

[0057] Examples of suitable flame retardant plasticizers include phosphorus-based plasticizers such as cyclic phosphates, phosphites, and phosphate esters, tricresyl phos phate, trixylenyl phosphate, cyclic phosphate esters, tar acid, cresol, xylyl, phenol phos phates, and trixylyl phosphate; halogenated aryl esters; chlorinated biphenyl, 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate, isodecyl diphenyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, cresyl diphenyl phosphate, p-t-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphite, and the like. Other examples of phosphorus-based plasticizers include chlorinated alkyl phosphate esters chloro alkyl diphosphate ester; alkyl phosphates and phosphites such as tributyl phosphate, tri-2-ethylhexyl phosphate, and triisoctyl phosphite; other organophosphates and organo- phosphites such as tributoxy ethylphosphate; other phosphates and phosphonates such as chlorinated diphosphate and chlorinated polyphosphonate; and the like. Mixtures can also be used. [0058] Examples of suitable wetting, emulsifying, and conditioning plasticizers include alkyloxylated fatty alcohol phosphate esters such as oleth-2 phosphate, oleth-3 phosphate, oleth-4 phosphate, oleth-lO phosphate, oleth-20 phosphate, ceteth-8 phosphate, ceteareth-5 phosphate, ceteareth-lO phosphate, PPG ceteth-lO phosphate, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

[0059] Other additives well known to those skilled in the art can be used to aid in preparation of the TPU. Such additives include surfactants, stabilizers, defoamers, antimi crobial agents, antioxidants, UV absorbers, carbodiimides, and the like.

[0060] The TPU can be processed by methods well known to those skilled in the art to make articles having excellent breathability, i.e., moisture vapor transmis- sion rates (“MVTR”). Suitable MVTR's typically are an upright MVTR of at least about 500 grams/m ² /24 hours, preferably at least about 600 grams/m ² /24 hours, and more preferably at least about 700 grams/m ² /24 hours grams/m ² /24 hours. The term “breathable” is used herein to denote such excellent MVTR. Similarly, the term “breathability” is used as an indication of the MVTR of a particular composition or article and is described more particularly as excellent (above about 500 grams/m ² /24 hours) or inferior (below about 500 grams/m ² /24 hours).

[0061] In an embodiment, the TPU can be prepared by:

(A) reacting to form an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer (1) at least one polyisocyanate having an average of about two or more isocyanate groups; (2) at least one active hydrogen-containing compound comprising (a) poly(al- kylene oxide) side-chain units in an amount comprising about 12 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of said TPU, wherein (i) alkylene oxide groups in said poly(al- kylene oxide) side-chain units have from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and are unsub stituted, substituted, or both unsubstituted and substituted, (ii) at least about 50 wt. % of said alkylene oxide groups are ethylene oxide, and (iii) said amount of said side-chain units is at least about 30 wt. % when the molecular weight of said side-chain units is less than about 600 grams/mole, at least about 15 wt. % when the molecular weight of said side-chain units is from about 600 to about 1,000 grams/mole, and at least about 12 wt. % when the molecular weight of said side-chain units is more than about 1 ,000 grams/mole, and (b) poly(ethylene oxide) main-chain units in an amount com prising less than about 25 wt. % of said TPU; (3) preferably at least one other active hydrogen-containing compound not containing poly(alkylene oxide) side-chain units; and (4) optionally at least one compound having at least one crosslinkable functional group, in order to form an isocyanate-terminated pre- polymer;

(B) dispersing said prepolymer in water, and chain extending said pre- polymer by reaction with at least one of water, inorganic or organic polyamine having an average of about 2 or more primary and/or secondary amine groups, polyalcohols, ureas, or combinations thereof; and

(C) thereafter further processing the chain-extended dispersion of step (B) in order to form a composition or article having an upright moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of more than about 500 gms/m ² /24 hr.

[0062] The dope solution provided herein also contains at least one pore form ing agent. A pore-forming agent is a substance that is soluble in the blend solvent (described below) and that may or may not be soluble in the coagulation solvent (de scribed below). The presence of a pore-forming agent can provide for greater control over the size and distribution of pores in the porous flat sheet membrane that is formed from the coagulation in the coagulation bath. The pore-forming agent in its pure state at room temperature can be a liquid, but is often a water-soluble solid. Examples of pore-forming agents suitable for the dope solution/membrane include salts and phenols. For example, salts of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals or ammonium with halides or carbonates can be used as pore-forming agents. Specific examples include ammonium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chlo ride, lithium chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. Sodium citrate can also be used as a pore forming agent. Examples of phenols include phenol, ethylphenol, catechol, resorcinol, hydroquinone and methoxyphenol. Other conventional pore forming agents include non-solvent liquids and also include polymers such as poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), glycols, such as as polyethylene glycol, oxide copolymers, such as polyethylene-polyethyelene oxide copolymers, and the like, and hydroxyalkylcellulose polymers.

[0063] The molecular weight of the pore forming agent, in some embodiments, can have an effect on the size of the pores formed in the flat sheet porous membrane. Normally the pore size of membranes increases with increasing molecular weight of the pore former, but this is not always a hard rule on this. Sometimes, pore size/pore distribution reaches an optimum value and it does not increase with an increase in pore former molecular weight. The effect of molecular weight varies from pore for mer to pore former. [0064] In an embodiment, the pore forming agent can be a polyvinyl pyrroli- done having a molecular weight of from about 8000 to about 150,000. In certain instances, such as for preparing a microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane, the pore former may be a polyvinyl pyrrolidone having a molecular weight of from about 40,000 to about 150,000. In other instances, such as for preparing a nanofiltration membrane, the polyvinyl pyrrolidone pore forming agent may have a molecular weight of from about 200 to about 40,000.

[0065] In an embodiment, the pore forming agent can be a poly(ethylene gly- col)-£/ocA poly(propylene glycol)-£/ocA:-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer having a molecular weight of from about 1000 to about 6000. In certain instances, such as for preparing a microfiltration membrane, the pore former may be a poly(ethylene gly- col)-£/ocA poly(propylene glycol)-£/ocA poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer having a molecular weight of from about 3000 to about 6000. In other instances, such as for preparing an ultrafiltration membrane, the poly(ethylene glycol)-£/ocA poly(propyl- ene glycol)-£/ocA poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer pore forming agent may have a molecular weight of from about 2000 to about 4000. In other instances, such as for preparing a nanofiltration membrane, the poly(ethylene glycol)-£/ocA poly(propyl- ene glycol)-£/ocA poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer pore forming agent may have a molecular weight of from about 1000 to about 2000.

[0066] In an embodiment, the pore forming agent can be a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of from about 200 to about 20,000. In certain instances, such as for preparing a microfiltration membrane, the pore former may be a polyeth ylene glycol having a molecular weight of from about 8000 to about 20,000. In other instances, such as for preparing an ultrafiltration or nanofiltration membrane, the pol- yethylene glycol pore forming agent may have a molecular weight of from about 200 to about 10,000.

[0067] The pore forming agent can present in the dope solution at a concen tration of from about 1 to about 20 wt%, or from about 2 to about 18 wt%, or from about 4 to about 16 wt%, or even from about 5 to about 15 wt% or about 5 to about 10 wt%.

[0068] The dope solution also includes at least one solvent. The solvent is preferably a polar aprotic solvent such as N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), N,N-dime- thyl acetamide (DMAC), dimethyl formamide (DMF), methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), cyclohexanone, tetrahydrofuran (THF), methanol, acetone, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Some polar protic solvents may be em ployed as well, as such as, for example, isopropyl alcohol (IP A). The solvent for the blend can be a mixture of these solvents and may also include one or more other liquids that are non-solvents for (C)PVC or the further polymers. The polymers can be mixed with portions of the solvent separately and then mixed, they can be mixed with the solvent sequentially, or the polymers can be mixed with the solvent simul taneously. It may be desirable to heat the solvent-polymer mixture while mixing or agitating to facilitate complete dissolution of the polymers. The solvent may be pre sent in the dope solution at a concentration of from about 30 to about 90 wt%, or from about 30 to about 70 wt%, or even from about 35 to about 65 wt% or about 40 to about 60 wt%.

[0069] The dope solution can also include processing aids, such as surfactants, drying agents, catalysts, co-solvents, such as polar aprotic solvents, or any combina tion thereof. Among other things, processing aids can be employed to modify surface properties or further increase performance of a flat sheet porous membrane prepared from the dope solution, for example, to improve fouling resistance. When present, the processing aids, collectively, can be in the dope solution at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%, or from about 0.5 to about 8 wt%, or even from about 1 to about 6 wt%.

[0070] Exemplary processing aids include phosphoramides, dialkyl sulfox ides, metal chelate additives containing a bidentate ligand and a metal atom or metal ion, e.g., acetyl acetonate (acac) or fluorinated acetylacetonate, beta-diketonates or fluorinated beta-diketonates, zeolites, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and inorganic mineral compounds.

[0071] The surfactant(s) can be selected from among nonionic, cationic, ani onic, and zwitterionic surfactants depending on the chemistry of the other additives. For example, a cationic surfactant would not be selected when anionic additives are being used. When present, the amount of surfactant can be from about 0.005 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, or from about 0.01 wt % to about 0.25 wt %, or from about 0.05% to about 0.25%.

[0072] In some embodiments, one or more drying agents can be included in the dope solution. Drying agents can include, for example, hydrophobic organic com pounds, such as a hydrocarbon or an ether, glycerin, citric acid, glycols, glucose, sucrose, tri ethyl ammonium camphorsulfonate, triethylammonium benzenesulfonate, triethylammonium toluenesulfonate, triethylammonium methane sulfonate, ammo- nium camphor sulfonate, and ammonium benzene sulfonate, and those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,855,048; 4,948,507; 4,983,291; and 5,658,460. When present, the amount of drying agent can be from about 2 wt % to about 10 wt %, or from about 3 wt % to about 5 wt %.

[0073] Catalysts can be included in the dope solution as a processing aid. In some embodiments, a catalyst can include diethylamine, triethylamine, ethylene dia- mine, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, ethanolamine, dimethylaminopyridine, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the catalyst can be an acid catalyst or a base catalyst. An acid catalyst can be an inorganic acid, an organic acid, a Lewis acid, or a quaternary ammonium salt or an acid salt of ammonia or a primary, secondary or tertiary amine. When present, the amount of catalyst in the dope solution can be from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.5 wt %, or from about 0.005 wt % to about 0.25 wt %.

FLAT SHEET POROUS MEMBRANE

[0074] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a flat sheet porous membrane, or simply“membrane” for short. In the art, membranes may be in a tub- ular, hollow fiber, spiral wound, or flat sheet structure, however as used herein the term“membrane” is used to refer specifically to a porous flat sheet having a selec- tively permeable barrier or partition. By flat sheet, it means the membrane has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, wherein the first surface corre- sponds to an effluent side and the second surface corresponds to a filtrate side. Such membranes have a number of uses, and in particular for filtration, where permeability is based on the membrane being porous.

[0075] The porous flat sheet membrane (or simply“membrane”) may be cast from the dope solution described above to obtain a porous flat sheet membrane having pores suitable for use in microfiltration, ultrafiltration, or nano-filtration end uses. That is to say that the porous flat sheet membrane may have pores suitable for micro- filtration ranging in size from about 0.1 to about 10 pm, or about 0.5 to 1 pm; or pores suitable for ultrafiltration ranging in size from about 0.005 to 0.1 pm, or about 0.01 to 0.05 pm; or pores suitable for nano-filtration ranging in size from about 0.00005 to 0.01 pm, or about 0.0001 to 0.005 pm.

[0076] The pores in the membrane may be distributed through the membrane symmetrically, meaning the distribution of pores within the membrane are on average of about the same size and spacing, or asymmetrically. The pore structure in an asym metric membrane exhibits a gradient where the size of the pores gradually change from large pores at the filtrate side of the membrane to small pores at the effluent side. The smaller the pores the more the effluent side layer appears as a“skin” layer on the effluent side of the membrane. Where some asymmetric membranes may have a skin that is integral with the membrane, other asymmetric membranes have a skin that is coated onto a substrate to form the membrane. In either fashion, the asymmet- ric membrane may have a 0.0l-5micron layer over a more porous l00-300micron thick layer. In some embodiments the pores in the asymmetric membrane do not grade out small enough to form a skin layer, in which case the membrane does not contain a skin layer. The membrane provided herein may have an asymmetric struc- ture without a skin layer. The membrane may also have an asymmetric structure with a skin layer. Where the membrane includes a skin layer, the skin layer may be inte- gral to the membrane or coated onto the membrane.

PROCESS FOR PREPARING THE FLAT SHEET POROUS MEMBRANE

[0077] A further aspect of the invention provided is a method for manufactur ing a flat sheet porous membrane.

[0078] The first step of the method involves preparing the dope solution, as described above, by dissolving the ingredients into the dope solution solvents. The dope solution can be prepared at elevated temperature, such as 50 to 60°C to aid in quicker dissolution. After mixing the dope solution is degassed, for example, by application of a vacuum to the solution.

[0079] Once the dope solution is prepared, it is cast into a sheet on a flat sur face. Casting is a well-known process that, briefly, involves pouring a solution on to a flat surface and using a casting bar having a set gap between the bar and the flat surface to pull the solution over the surface. The solution flows along the flat surface and is deposited into the form of a flat sheet having a thickness commensurate with the gap between the casting bar and the flat surface.

[0080] The cast sheet is then subjected to a phase inversion process. Phase inversion is a known process resulting in a controlled transformation of a polymer from a liquid to a solid in a quenching environment.

[0081] The term quenching environment means any environment that causes a polymer to precipitate from a dissolved state into a solidified state. The quenching of the cast sheet can occur in a single procedure or in more than one procedure. [0082] The phase inversion process includes, for example, vapor phase pre- cipitation, evaporation and immersion precipitation processes, in which the polymer of the membrane precipitates from a solvent solution in some manner. The specifics of each process are subject to, for example, the types and amounts of solvents em ployed, and the temperatures used.

[0083] In one embodiment, the cast sheet can be immersed, either immediately or after some delay, in a quenching environment for a sufficient period to allow phase inversion, such as 1 minute to 4 hours.

[0084] For example, the quenching of a cast sheet can involve simply moving the sheet into a coagulation bath of the quenching liquid. In another example, the quenching of a cast sheet can involve exposing the sheet to an atmosphere saturated with the quench liquid, followed by moving the substrate and sheet into a coagulation bath of the quenching liquid. Exposing the shaped membrane precursor to a saturated atmosphere can be accomplished, for example, via a vapor diffusion chamber con taining a vapor of the quench liquid, which may be, for example, water or an organic solvent.

[0085] The method of phase inversion can contribute to the pore size created in the membrane. Often, a vapor diffusion chamber may be need to prepare ultrafil tration and nanofiltration membranes. In general, the cast flat sheet can be subjected to a vapor diffusion chamber quenching environment for anywhere between 30 sec onds to 30 minutes, such as, 45 seconds to 20 minutes, or 1 minute to 10 minutes, or 2 minutes to 8 minutes, again, depending on the solvents employed.

[0086] In embodiments, the quenching environment contains a liquid that is a non-solvent for the polymer or polymers in the sheet. The term non-solvent, when used in reference to a polymer, means a liquid that, when added to a solution of the polymer in a solvent, will cause phase separation of the solution at some concentra tion. The quench liquid can include, for example, water as the non-solvent, typically at between about 30 to about 90 wt% of the quench liquid. The quench liquid can also include a solvent selected from any of the same solvents discussed with respect to the doping solution, including, for example, one or more of N,N-dimethyl forma- mide, cyclohexanone, tetrahydrofuran, methanol, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, N,N- dimethylacetamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide.

[0087] After quenching, the prepared flat sheet porous membrane can be washed to remove excess solvent and/or dried. [0088] The membrane may also be subject to further processing. For example, in one embodiment, the membrane may be subjected to deposition processes to de- posit a thin layer of a coating on the on the top of the membrane. Such deposition processes are known in the art, and include, for example, chemical vapor deposition and thin film deposition.

METHODS FOR USING THE FLAT SHEET POROUS MEMBRANE

[0089] The flat sheet porous membrane can be employed in methods of treat- ing effluent streams by filtering the effluent through the membrane. The effluent stream can be a gas in gas stream, a gas in liquid stream, a liquid in liquid stream, or a suspended solid in liquid stream. Generally, such effluent treating methods require the membrane to withstand pressures of from 0 to 1000 psi, or 0 to 500 psi.

[0090] In an embodiment, the effluent can be municipal wastewater. In some embodiments, the effluent can be industrial wastewater. The membranes may also be employed to purify drinking water and in food and alcohol purification. The mem branes may also be employed to separate oil and water or a gas from a mixture of gases. The effluent can also be a biological stream, such as blood, protein, fermen tation by-products, and the like.

[0091] The amount of each chemical component described is presented exclu sive of any solvent or diluent oil, which may be customarily present in the commercial material, that is, on an active chemical basis, unless otherwise indicated. However, unless otherwise indicated, each chemical or composition referred to herein should be interpreted as being a commercial grade material which may contain the isomers, by products, derivatives, and other such materials which are normally understood to be present in the commercial grade.

[0092] It is known that some of the materials described above may interact in the final formulation, so that the components of the final formulation may be different from those that are initially added. For instance, metal ions (of, e.g., a detergent) can migrate to other acidic or anionic sites of other molecules. The products formed thereby, including the products formed upon employing the composition of the present invention in its intended use, may not be susceptible of easy description. Nevertheless, all such modifications and reaction products are included within the scope of the pre sent invention; the present invention encompasses the composition prepared by admix ing the components described above.

[0093] As used herein, the term "about" means that a value of a given quantity is within ±20% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±15% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±10% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±1% of the stated value.

[0094] Additionally, as used herein, the term "substantially" means that a value of a given quantity is within ±10% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±1% of the stated value.

[0095] The invention herein is useful for filtering effluent streams while exhib- iting improved resistance to chemical degradation, which may be better understood with reference to the following examples.

EXAMPLES

[0096] Sample 1 - 20 wt % CP VC resin (chlorination 65.25%), 2wt% heat stabilizer, 10 wt% polyvinyl pyrrolidine as a pore former aid, and 2wt% impact mod- ifier were dissolved in N-methyl pyrrolidine. The solution was degassed for 6 hours. The solution was casted on a glass plate followed by immersion of the plate in a water bath for 2 h. After that, the membrane was collected from the bath and dried for 12 h at room temperature.

[0097] Hydraulic permeability measurement: 50 ml of water was passed through a 47 mm diameter of Sample 1 membrane under different pressures (15-70 psi) under nitrogen. The time required to pass through the membrane was determined and the hydraulic permeability was calculated according to the following equation:

Lp = V/P/A/T,

where Lp is the hydraulic permeability in m/s-mmHg

V is the volume of water passed through the membrane (50ml)

A is the area of the membrane (1734.94 mm ² )

T is the time required for the water to pass through the membrane

P is the pressure applied.

[0098] The hydraulic permeability calculations for Sample 1 are provided in the table below.

[0099] The differences shown in the table above are considered to be small, such that the hydraulic permeability number is constant at 3.5X10 ⁹ .

[0100] Sample 2 - 23 weight % CPVC resin (chlorination 67.25%), 2% heat stabilizer, 8 wt% polyethylene glycol as a pore former aid, and 2% impact modifier were dissolved in N-methyl pyrrolidine at 60 ^° C. The solution was degassed for 6 hours. The solution was casted on a glass plate and subjected to a vapor chamber for 5 minutes. The plate with the cast solution was then immersed in a water bath for 2 h. The membrane was then collected from the bath and dried for 12 h at room tem perature. Hydraulic permeability was calculated to be 3.9X10 ⁹ .

[0101] Sample 3 - 24 weight % CPVC resin (chlorination 67.25%), 2% heat stabilizer, 4 wt% polyethylene glycol as a pore former aid, 3 wt% poloxamer as a pore former aid, and 2wt% impact modifier were dissolved in N-methyl pyrrolidine at 60 ^° C. The solution was degassed for 6 hours. The solution was casted on a plate at room temperature, followed by insertion into a vapor chamber for 5 minutes, and then immersion of the plate into a coagulation bath (water/ THF: 80/20) for 2 h. After that, the membrane was collected from the bath and dried for 12 h at room tempera ture. Hydraulic permeability was calculated to be 1.0X10 ¹² .

[0102] Sample 4 - 26 weight % CPVC resin (chlorination 67.25%), 2wt% heat stabilizer, 5 wt% polyethylene glycol as a pore former aid, 2wt% impact modifier, and 4wt% of an aromatic polyether-type thermoplastic polyurethane as hydrophilic substrate, and 2wt% antioxidant 2, 6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol was dissolved in N-me- thyl pyrrolidine at 65 ^° C. The solution was degassed for 6 hours. The solution was casted on a warm glass plate (70 ^° C) followed by insertion into a vapor chamber for 5 minutes, and then immersion of the plate into a water bath for 2 h. After that, the membrane was collected from the bath and dried for 12 h at room temperature. Hy draulic permeability was calculated to be 3.1X1 O ⁹ .

[0103] Sample 5 - A PVDF flat sheet membrane having a pore size of 0.1 pm and a hydraulic permeability of 1.6X10 ⁹ .

Sample 6 - A PES flat sheet membrane having asymmetric pore sizes of 0.1 pm and a hydraulic permeability of 6.2X10 ⁹ .

[0104] Sample 7 - A Polyamide flat sheet membrane having a pore size of

0.15 pm and a hydraulic permeability of 8.4X10 ⁹ [0105] Sample 8 - A cellulose acetate (“CA”) flat sheet membrane having asymmetric pore size of 0.1 pm and a hydraulic permeability of 8.7X10 ⁹

[0106] Example 1 - Fouling characterization of the membrane - Fouling of the Sample 1 to 4 membranes were characterized by contact angle analysis. First, the “dry” surface of each Sample was characterized by a contact angle analysis. The basic theory behind contact angle analysis is described by Young’s equation. When a liquid drop is placed in contact with a surface, the liquid forms a contact angle as a function of surface tension and surface hydrophilicity of the membrane according to Young’s equation. If the surface is fouled the surface hydrophilicity changes, along with the contact angle. To measure, clean membranes were rinsed in distilled water and carefully placed over a two-sided adhesive tape in order to prevent the sides of the membrane to roll up. Micro syringes provided with square cut Teflon tips were used to place drop of distill water on the top of membrane surface. The initial contact angle was measured within 5 seconds using a goniometer in conjunction with a 100X telescope. The Samples were then soaked in a protein solution/blood serum for 8 h. After the 8 h soak, the Samples were washed with distilled water three times to re- move any unbound proteins and allowed to air dry for 2 hours at room temperature. The protein soaked surfaces were again characterized by contact angle analysis. Change in contact angle or D contact angle were used to measure fouling. Results of the contact angle analysis are provided in table 1.

[0107] Example 2 - Cleaning solution/ chemical resistance of the membrane - Cleaning solution resistances were characterized by a hydraulic permeability measurement. The hydraulic permeability of each Sample was measured by first measuring the amount of time required to pass 50 ml of water through the Sample membrane. The membranes were then dipped in a 4wt% bleach solution for 6 h at room temperature. After 6 hours, the hydraulic permeability of the Sample mem- branes were measured again. The process of dipping for 6 hours and testing the hy draulic permeability was continued until a noticeable change occurred in the hydrau- lic permeability. The total time to the first noticeable change was recorded as the time to loss of membrane efficiency.

[0108] The process was continued until there was a sharp increase in the hy- draulic permeability such that the filtrate passed through the membrane without re- sistance. The time to the sharp increase in hydraulic permeability was recorded as the complete degradation of the membrane. The loss of efficiency and complete deg- radation times are set forth in Table 2 below.

[0109] A dope solution for preparing a porous flat sheet membrane comprising at least one polymer of vinyl chloride, at least one pore forming agent, and at least one solvent. The dope solution of the preceding sentence, wherein the pore forming agent comprises at least one alkali metal salt. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent comprises at least one alkaline earth metal salt with a halide. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent comprises at least one alkaline earth metal salt with a carbonate. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent comprises at least one ammonium salt with a halide. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent comprises at least one ammonium salt with a car bonate. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the pore forming agent comprises at least one of ammonium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, lithium chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, calcium carbonate, magnesium car bonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and sodium citrate. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent comprises at least one phe nol. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent comprises at least one phenol, ethylphenol, catechol, resorcinol, hydroquinone and methoxyphenol. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore form ing agent comprises at least one polyvinyl pyrolidone. The dope solution of any pre vious sentence, wherein the pore forming agent comprises a polyethylene glycol. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent comprises at least one polyethylene-polyethylene oxide copolymer. The dope solution of any pre vious sentence, wherein the pore forming agent comprises at least one hydroxyalkyl- cellulose polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the pore form ing agent has a molecular weight of from about 500 to about 100,000 daltons. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the pore forming agent has a molecular weight of from about 8000 to about 150,000 daltons. The dope solution of any previ ous sentence, where the pore forming agent has a molecular weight of from about 40,000 to about 150,000 daltons. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the pore forming agent has a molecular weight of from about 200 to about 40,000 daltons. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the pore forming agent comprises a poly(ethylene glycol)-£/ocA:-poly(propylene glycol)-£/ocA poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer having a molecular weight of from about 1000 to about 6000. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the pore forming agent comprises a poly(ethylene glycol)-£/ocA:-poly(propylene glycol)-£/ocA poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer having a molecular weight of from about 3000 to about 6000. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the pore forming agent comprises a poly(ethylene glycol)-£/ocA:-poly(propylene glycol)-£/ocA poly(ethylene glycol) co- polymer pore forming agent having a molecular weight of from about 2000 to about 4000. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the pore forming agent comprises a poly(ethylene glycol)-£/ocA:-poly(propylene glycol)-£/ocA poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer pore forming agent having a molecular weight of from about 1000 to about 2000. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the pore forming agent comprises a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of from about 200 to about 20,000. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the pore forming agent comprises a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of from about 8000 to about 20,000. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the pore forming agent comprises a polyethylene glycol pore forming agent having a molecular weight of from about 200 to about 10,000. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent is present at a concentration of from about 1 to about 20 wt% by weight of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent is present at a concentration of from about 2 to about 18 wt% by weight of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent is present at a concentration of from about 4 to about 16 wt% by weight of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent is present at a concentration of from about 5 to about 15 wt% by weight of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the pore forming agent is present at a concentration of from about 5 to about 10 wt% by weight of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the solvent comprises a polar aprotic solvent. The dope solution of any pre- vious sentence, wherein the solvent comprises N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP). The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the solvent comprises N,N-dimethyl acetamide (DMAC). The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the solvent comprises dimethyl formamide (DMF). The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the solvent comprises methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the solvent comprises methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the solvent comprises cyclohex - anone. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the solvent comprises tetrahydrofuran. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the solvent comprises methanol. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the solvent comprises acetone. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the solvent comprises dimethyl sulfoxide. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the solvent comprises a polar protic solvent. The dope solution of any previous sen tence, wherein the solvent comprises isopropyl alcohol. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the solvent is present at a concentration of from about 30 to about 90 wt%. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the solvent is present at a concentration of from about 30 to about 70 wt%. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the solvent is present at a concentration of from about 35 to about 65 wt%. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the solvent is present at a concentration of from about 40 to about 60 wt%. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC has a chlorine content of from about 56 to about 72 wt.% based on the weight of the polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC has a chlorine content of from about 58 to about 71 wt.% based on the weight of the polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC has a chlorine content of from about 59 to about 70 wt.% based on the weight of the polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC has a chlorine content of from about 56 to about 59 wt.% based on the weight of the polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC has a chlorine content of from about 59.0 to about 72.0 wt.% based on the weight of the polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC has a chlo- rine content of from about 60.0 to about 71.0 wt.% based on the weight of the poly- mer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC has a chlorine content of from about 60.0 to about 70.0 wt.% based on the weight of the polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC has a chlorine content of from about 63.0 to about 69 wt.% based on the weight of the polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC has a chlorine content of from about 63.0 to about 68.0 wt.% based on the weight of the polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC has a chlorine content of from about 64.0 to about 67.0 wt.% based on the weight of the polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC has a chlorine content of from about 64.0 to about 65.0 wt.% based on the weight of the polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC is prepared from a polyvinyl chloride resin having an inherent viscosity (“IV”) of about 0.4 to about 1.4 as measured per ASTM D1243. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC is prepared from a polyvinyl chloride resin having an inherent viscosity (“IV”) of about 0.6 to about 1.4 as measured per ASTM D1243. The dope solution of any previous sen tence, where the (C)PVC is prepared from a polyvinyl chloride resin having an in herent viscosity (“IV”) of about 0.5 to about 1.3 as measured per ASTM D1243. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC is prepared from a poly vinyl chloride resin having an inherent viscosity (“IV”) of about 0.54 to about 1.2 as measured per ASTM D1243. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC is prepared from a polyvinyl chloride resin having an inherent viscosity (“IV”) of about 0.6 to about 1.1 as measured per ASTM D1243. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC is prepared from a polyvinyl chloride resin having an inherent viscosity (“IV”) of about 0.65 to about 1.0 as measured per ASTM D1243. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC is prepared from a polyvinyl chloride resin having an inherent viscosity (“IV”) of about 0.65 to about 0.92 as measured per ASTM D 1243. The dope solution of any previous sentence, where the (C)PVC is prepared from a polyvinyl chloride resin having an inherent viscosity (“IV”) of about 0.65 to about 0.90 as measured per ASTM D1243. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the (C)PVC is present at a con centration of from about 10 to about 40 wt% of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the (C)PVC is present at a concentration of from about 15 to about 30 wt% of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the (C)PVC is present at a concentration of from about 18 to about 25 wt% of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, further comprising processing aids. The dope solution of any previous sentence, further comprising surfactant processing aids. The dope solution of any previous sentence, further comprising drying agent processing aids. The dope solution of any previous sentence, further comprising catalyst processing aids. The dope solution of any pre- vious sentence, further comprising co-solvent processing aids. The dope solution of any previous sentence, further comprising polar aprotic co-solvent processing aids. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the processing aid(s) is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 10 wt.%. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the processing aid(s) is present at a concentration of from about 0.5 to about 8 wt.%. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the processing aid(s) is present at a concentration of from about 1 to about 6 wt.%. The dope solution of any previous sentence, further comprising a surface modified poly- mer composition formed from two or more of: i) a zwitterionic monomer or a poly- alkylene glycol monomer; ii) a silicone or fluorocarbon monomer, or combinations thereof; or iii) an alky 1 substituted methacrylate, acrylate, acrylamide, or vinyl mon omer, or combinations thereof. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a zwitterionic monomer com prising a phosphorylcholine. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a zwitterionic monomer com prising a carboxybetaine. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a zwitterionic monomer compris ing a sulfobetaine. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a zwitterionic monomer comprising a pol- yalkylene glycol monomer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the zwitterionic monomer of the surface modified polymer composition is present in an amount from about 10 to about 40 mole percent of the total monomer composition of the surface modified polymer composition. The dope solution of any previous sen tence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a polyalkylene glycol monomer comprising an acrylate. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a polyalkylene glycol monomer comprising a methacrylate ester of polyether polyols having a total of from 2 to 100 carbon atoms. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the polyalkylene glycol monomer of the surface modified polymer composition is present in an amount from about 10 to about 50 mole percent of the total monomer composi- tion of the surface modified polymer composition. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a silicone monomer comprising a functionalized polysiloxane. The dope solution of any previ- ous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a silicone monomer comprising an acrylate functionalized polysiloxane. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a silicone monomer comprising a methacrylate functionalized polysiloxane. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer com position comprises a silicone monomer comprising a vinyl functionalized polysilox ane. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified pol ymer composition comprises a silicone monomer comprising an allyl functionalized polysiloxane. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface mod ified polymer composition comprises a silicone monomer comprising a mono vinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a silicone monomer comprising a mono methacryloxypropyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a silicone monomer comprising a vinyl terminated triflouropropylme- thylsiloxane. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface mod ified polymer composition comprises a silicone monomer comprising a monoallyl- mono trimethyl siloxy terminated polyethylene oxide. The dope solution of any pre vious sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a sili cone monomer in an amount of from about 5 mole% to about 40 mole% of the total monomer composition of the surface modified polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a flourocarbon monomer represented by the fomula D-E-F, wherein D comprises an acrylate, E comprises an optional linking group and F comprises a fluorocarbon group. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a flourocarbon monomer represented by the fomula D-E-F, wherein D comprises a methacrylate, E comprises an optional linking group and F comprises a fluorocarbon group. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a flourocarbon mono mer represented by the fomula D-E-F, wherein D comprises a vinyl group, E com prises an optional linking group and F comprises a fluorocarbon group. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a flourocarbon monomer represented by the fomula D-E-F, wherein D comprises an alcohol, E comprises an optional linking group and F comprises a flu orocarbon group. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a flourocarbon monomer represented by the fomula D-E-F, wherein D comprises an amine, E comprises an optional linking group and F comprises a fluorocarbon group. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a flourocar bon monomer represented by the fomula D-E-F, wherein D comprises a thiol, E com prises an optional linking group and F comprises a fluorocarbon group. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a flourocarbon monomer in an amount of from about 5 mole% to about 40 mole% of the total monomer composition of the surface modified polymer. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises from about 10 to about 30 mole percent of a fluorocarbon methacrylates, from about 10 to about 30 percent of polyethyleneglycol methacrylate and from about 40 to about 80 percent of methylmethacrylate. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition comprises a base poly mer comprising at least one of a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyamide, a polyeth ylene, a polyester, a polyvinylchloride, a polysulfone, a polysiloxane, a polyether sulfone, a polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a polycaprolactone, a polydioxanone, a poly(l, 3 -trimethylene) carbonate, a polytyrosine carbonate, a polyacrylate, a polymethacrylate, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, a polypropylene, a polycar bonate, a polyketone, a polyamine, polyimine, and combinations thereof. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 15 wt% of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface modified polymer composition is present at a concentration of from about 0.5 to about 12 wt% of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the surface mod- ified polymer composition is present at a concentration of from about 1 to about 10 wt% of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, further com prising a thermoplastic polyurethane polymer (“TPU”) comprising at least one poly- isocyanate, at least one active hydrogen-containing compound, and optionally a chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the polyisocyanate of the TPU comprises hexamethylene-l, 6-diisocyanate. The dope solution of any pre vious sentence, wherein the polyisocyanate of the TPU comprises 2,2,4-trimethyl- hexamethylene-diisocyanate. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the polyisocyanate of the TPU comprises 2,4,4-trimethyl-hexamethylene diisocya nate. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the polyisocyanate of the TPU comprises dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate. The dope solution of any previ ous sentence, wherein the polyisocyanate of the TPU comprises isophorone diisocy anate. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the polyisocyanate of the TPU comprises tetramethyl xylylene diisocyanate. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the polyisocyanate of the TPU comprises toluene diisocyanate. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing com pound of the TPU comprises a polyether polyol. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises a poly carbonate polyol. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen- containing compound of the TPU comprises a polysiloxane polyol. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises an ethoxylated polysiloxane polyol. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises a poly(butanediol adipate). The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises a hexane diol adipic acid pol yester. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises a hexane diol isophthalic acid polyester. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises a poly(propylene glycol). The dope solution of any previous sen tence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises a polytet- rahydrofuran. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen- containing compound of the TPU comprises a copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(propylene glycol). The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises the reaction of at least one of (A) 1,3 -propanediol, l,4-butanediol, l,6-hexanediol, di ethylene glycol, tri ethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and mixtures thereof with (B) di aryl carbonates such as diphenylcarbonate or phosgene. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises the reaction of at least one of (A) aldehydes, such as formaldehyde and the like, and (B) glycols such as di ethy lene glycol, triethylene glycol, ethoxylated 4,4'-dihydroxy-diphenyldimethylme- thane, l,6-hexanediol, and the like and combinations thereof. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU com prises a polyester amide. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises a polyamide. The dope solu tion of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises a side-chain prepared from alkylene oxides. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU com prises less than about 25 wt. % poly(ethylene oxide) units in the backbone (main chain) based upon the dry weight of TPU. The dope solution of any previous sen tence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises less than about 15 wt. % poly(ethylene oxide) units in the backbone (main chain) based upon the dry weight of TPU. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises less than about 5 wt. % poly(ethylene oxide) units in the backbone (main chain) based upon the dry weight of TPU. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-contain ing compound of the TPU comprises at least about 30 wt. % poly(ethylene oxide) units in the backbone (main chain) based upon the dry weight of TPU when the mo lecular weight of the side-chain units is less than about 600 grams/mole. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU comprises at least about 15 wt. % poly(ethylene oxide) units in the backbone (main chain) based upon the dry weight of TPU when the molecular weight of the side-chain units is from about 600 to about 1,000 grams/mole. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the hydrogen-containing compound of the TPU com prises at least about 12 wt. % poly(ethylene oxide) units in the backbone (main chain) based upon the dry weight of TPU when the molecular weight of the side-chain units is greater than about 1,000 grams/mole. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a hydrogen-containing compound of about 50 to about 10,000 grams/mole. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a hydrogen-containing compound of about 200 to about 6,000 grams/mole. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a hydrogen- containing compound of about 300 to about 3,000 grams/mole. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises the isocyanate and the active hy drogen-containing compound in a ratio of from about 1.3/1 to about 2.5/1. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises the isocyanate and the active hydrogen-containing compound in a ratio of from about 1.5/1 to about 2.1/1. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises the isocya- nate and the active hydrogen-containing compound in a ratio of from about 1.7/1 to about 2/1. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a diethylene triamine chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises an ethylene diamine (EDA) chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a meta-xylylenedia- mine (MXDA) chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises an aminoethyl ethanolamine (AEEA) chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a 2-methyl pentane diamine propylene diamine chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sen tence, wherein the TPU comprises a butylene diamine chain extender. The dope so lution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a hexamethylene dia mine, cyclohexylene diamine, phenylene diamine, tolylene diamine, 3,3-dichloroben- zidene, 4,4'-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline), 3, 3 -dichloro-4, 4-diamino diphenylme- thane, sulfonated primary and/or secondary amines hydrazine, substituted hydra zines, and hydrazine reaction products, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Suitable polyalcohols include those having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, butane- diols, hexanediol, urea, hydrazine, chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a cyclohexylene diamine, phenylene diamine, tolylene diamine, 3,3-dichlorobenzidene, 4,4'-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline), 3,3- dichloro-4, 4-diamino diphenylmethane, sulfonated primary and/or secondary amines hydrazine, substituted hydrazines, and hydrazine reaction products, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Suitable polyalcohols include those having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene gly col, neopentyl glycol, butanediols, hexanediol, urea, hydrazine, chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a phenylene di amine chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a tolylene diamine chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a 3,3-dichlorobenzidene chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a 4,4'-methylene- bis-(2-chloroaniline chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a 3, 3-dichloro-4, 4-diamino diphenylmethane chain ex tender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a sulfonated primary and/or secondary amine chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a hydrazine chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a polyalcohol chain extender having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The dope solution of any previous sen tence, wherein the TPU comprises a polyalcohol chain extender having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU com prises an ethylene glycol chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a diethylene glycol chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a neopentyl glycol chain ex tender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a butanediol chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a hexanediol chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sen tence, wherein the TPU comprises a urea chain extender. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU comprises a chain extender from about 0.5 to about 0.95 equivalents based on available isocyanate. The dope solution of any pre vious sentence, wherein the TPU is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 15 wt% of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU is present at a concentration of from about 0.5 to about 12 wt% of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, wherein the TPU is present at a concentration of from about 1 to about 10 wt% of the dope solution. The dope solution of any previous sentence, further comprising a polyurethane polymer having an upright moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of more than about 500 gms/m ² /24 hr and comprising: (a) poly(alkylene oxide) side-chain units in an amount comprising about 29.9 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of said polyurethane, wherein (i) alkylene oxide groups in said poly(alkylene oxide) side-chain units have from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and are unsubstituted, substituted, or both unsubstituted and substi tuted, (ii) at least about 50 wt. % of said alkylene oxide groups are ethylene oxide, and (iii) said amount of said side-chain units is at least about 30 wt. % when the molecular weight of said side-chain units is less than about 600 grams/mole, and (b) poly(ethylene oxide) main-chain units in an amount comprising less than about 25 wt. % of said polyurethane.

[0110] A flat sheet porous membrane comprising a flat sheet cast from the dope solution of the previous paragraph. The membrane of the preceding sentence, wherein the porous flat sheet comprises pores suitable for microfiltration. The mem brane of any previous sentence, wherein the porous flat sheet comprises pores ranging in size from about 0.1 to about 10 pm. The membrane of any previous sentence, wherein the porous flat sheet comprises pores ranging in size from about 0.5 to about 1 mih. The membrane of any previous sentence, wherein the porous flat sheet com prises pores suitable for ultrafiltration. The membrane of any previous sentence, wherein the porous flat sheet comprises pores ranging in size from about 0.005 to about 0.1 pm. The membrane of any previous sentence, wherein the porous flat sheet comprises pores ranging in size from about 0.01 to about 0.05 pm. The membrane of any previous sentence, wherein the porous flat sheet comprises pores suitable for nanofiltration. The membrane of any previous sentence, wherein the porous flat sheet comprises pores ranging in size from about 0.00005 to about 0.01 pm. The membrane of any previous sentence, wherein the porous flat sheet comprises pores ranging in size from about 0.0001 to about 0.005 pm. The membrane of any previous sentence wherein the membrane comprises an asymmetric pore distribution. The membrane of any previous sentence wherein the membrane comprises an integral skin layer. The membrane of any previous sentence wherein the membrane does not include a skin layer.

[0111] A method for manufacturing a flat sheet porous membrane according to paragraph [01 10] comprising a) preparing the dope solution of any of paragraph [0109], b) casting a flat sheet of the doping solution on a surface, c) immersing the flat sheet of the doping solution in a quenching environment for a sufficient period to allow phase inversion. The method of any previous sentence, wherein the quench ing environment comprises a coagulation bath comprising water and a coagulation bath solvent. The method of any previous sentence, wherein the quenching environ ment comprises a vapor diffusion chamber. The method of any previous sentence, wherein the quenching environment comprises a solvent diffusion chamber. The method of any previous sentence, wherein the cast flat sheet is subjected to the sol vent diffusion chamber for 30 seconds to 30 minutes. The method of any previous sentence, wherein the temperature of the doping solution is maintained at about 20 to about 90 °C. The method of any previous sentence, wherein the coagulation bath comprises from about 30 to about 90 wt% water.

[0112] A method of treating an effluent stream, comprising filtering an efflu ent through a flat sheet porous membrane according to paragraph [0110] prepared from a dope solution according to paragraph [0109] The method of any previous sentence, wherein the effluent stream comprises a gas in gas stream, a gas in liquid stream, a solid suspended in liquid, or a liquid in liquid stream. The method of any previous sentence, wherein the flat porous membrane is subject to pressures of from 0 to 500 psi. [0113] Each of the documents referred to above is incorporated herein by ref- erence, including any prior applications, whether or not specifically listed above, from which priority is claimed. The mention of any document is not an admission that such document qualifies as prior art or constitutes the general knowledge of the skilled per son in any jurisdiction. Except in the Examples, or where otherwise explicitly indi- cated, all numerical quantities in this description specifying amounts of materials, re- action conditions, molecular weights, number of carbon atoms, and the like, are to be understood as modified by the word "about." It is to be understood that the upper and lower amount, range, and ratio limits set forth herein may be independently combined. Similarly, the ranges and amounts for each element of the invention can be used to- gether with ranges or amounts for any of the other elements.

[0114] As used herein, the transitional term“comprising,” which is synony mous with“including,”“containing,” or“characterized by,” is inclusive or open- ended and does not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps. How ever, in each recitation of“comprising” herein, it is intended that the term also encom pass, as alternative embodiments, the phrases“consisting essentially of’ and“consist ing of,” where“consisting of’ excludes any element or step not specified and“con sisting essentially of’ permits the inclusion of additional un-recited elements or steps that do not materially affect the essential or basic and novel characteristics of the com position or method under consideration.

[0115] While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the subject invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without de parting from the scope of the subject invention. In this regard, the scope of the in vention is to be limited only by the following claims.