Development of high performance nano-porous polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes with hydrophilic surface and superior antifouling properties

Hydrophilic nano-porous polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes were developed for milk concentration. The membranes were prepared from new dope solution containing polyethersulfone (PES)/polyvinylpirrolidone (PVP)/polyethyleneglycole (PEG)/cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP)/acrylic acid/Triton X-100 using phase inversion induced by immersion precipitation technique. This casting solution leads to formation of new hydrophilic membranes. The morphological studies were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition, the hydrophilicity and performance of membranes were examined by contact angel measurements and cross-flow filtration (pure water flux, milk water permeation, protein rejection and antifouling measurements). The contact angle measurements indicate that a surface with superior hydrophilicity was obtained for PES membranes. Two concentrations of PES (16 and 14.4 wt.%) and two different non-solvents (pure water and mixtures of water and IPA) were used for preparation of membranes. The morphological studies showed that the higher concentration of PES and the presence of IPA in the gelation media results in formation of a membrane with a dense top and sub-layer with small pores on the surface. The pure water flux of membranes was decreased when higher polymer concentration and mixtures of water and IPA were employed for membrane formation. On the other hand, the milk water permeation and protein rejection were increased using mixtures of water and IPA as non-solvent. Furthermore, the fouling analysis of the membranes demonstrated that the membrane surface with fewer tendencies for fouling was obtained.     

Hydrophilic modification of polyethersulfone porous membranes via a thermal-induced surface crosslinking approach

A thermal-induced surface crosslinking process was employed to perform a hydrophilic surface modification of PES porous membranes. Difunctional poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) was used as the main crosslinking modifier. The addition of trifunctional trimethylolpropane trimethylacrylate (TMPTMA) into the reaction solutions accelerated the crosslinking progress of PEGDA on PES membranes. The membrane surface morphology and chemical composition were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. The mass gains (MG) of the modified membranes could be conveniently modulated by varying the PEGDA concentration and crosslinking time. The measurements of water contact angle showed that the hydrophilicity of PES membranes was remarkably enhanced by the coating of crosslinked PEGDA layer. When a moderate mass gain of about 150 μg/cm² was reached, both the permeability and anti-fouling ability of PES membranes could be significantly improved. Excessive mass gain not only contributed little to the anti-fouling ability, but also brought a deteriorated permeability to PES membranes.     

Effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the surface morphology and performance of microporous PES membrane

PES-TiO₂ composite membranes were prepared via phase inversion by dispersing TiO₂ nanopaticles in PES casting solutions. The crystal structure, thermal stability, morphology, hydrophilicity, permeation performance, and mechanical properties of the composite membranes were characterized in detail. XRD, DSC and TGA results showed that the interaction existed between TiO₂ nanopaticles and PES and the thermal stability of the composite membrane had been improved by the addition of TiO₂ nanopaticles. As shown in the SEM images, the composite membrane had a top surface with high porosity at low loading amount of TiO₂, which was caused by the mass transfer acceleration in exposure time due to the addition of TiO₂ nanopaticles. At high loading amount of TiO₂, the skinlayer became much looser for a significant aggregation of TiO₂ nanopaticles, which could be observed in the composite membranes. EDX analysis also revealed that the nanoparticles distributed in membrane more uniformly at low loading amount. Dynamic contact angles indicated that the hydrophilicity of the composite membranes was enhanced by the addition of TiO₂ nanopaticles. The permeation properties of the composite membranes were significantly superior to the pure PES membrane and the mean pore size also increased with the addition amount of TiO₂ nanopaticles increased. When the TiO₂ content was 4%, the flux reached the maximum at 3711 L m⁻² h⁻¹, about 29.3% higher than that of the pure PES membrane. Mechanical test also revealed that the mechanical strength of composite membranes enhanced as the addition of TiO₂ nanopaticles.     

Comparative Study of Tribological Properties of Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), Polyethersulfone (PES), and Polysulfone (PSU)

The tribological properties of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethersulfone (PES) and polysulfone (PSU), which have similar molecular structures, were investigated using an end-face contact tribometer and a reciprocating tribometer. The thermomechanical behavior of the polymers was analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). PPS exhibited a maximum friction coefficient with increasing load and sliding speed, while the friction coefficients of PES and PSU decreased only slightly. The wear rate of PPS was much lower than that of PES and PSU under high loads and speeds. It is suggested that the main factors influencing the friction and wear properties of the neat polymers are their condensed state and heat resistance. Amorphous PES and PSU showed liquid-like behavior and very low friction when the frictional surface was in the molten-flow state. The macromolecular crystals of crystallizable PPS give it some solid-like behavior and load-carrying capacity; hence PPS exhibited lower wear than PES and PSU.     

Friction and Wear of Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), Polyethersulfone (PES) and Polysulfone (PSU) Under Different Cooling Conditions

The friction and wear properties of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethersulfone (PES) and polysulfone (PSU), which have similar molecular structure, were investigated using an end-face contact tribometer in three different cooling ways: sliding without air cooling, sliding with air cooling, and sliding in water. The worn surface and wear debris were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effect of frictional heat on the tribological properties of the polymers was comparatively studied. When sliding in air, with increasing applied load, the wear rate of PPS decreased slightly initially then increased later while the wear rate of PES and PSU increased through out. The results suggested that the friction coefficient was mainly affected by the temperature of the worn polymer that was controlled by the balance of heat flow of the whole sliding contact system. When sliding in water, the friction coefficients of the three polymers decreased compared to that sliding in air and remained relatively steady through the whole process under different load. The wear rates of the three polymers had a close value and, remarkably, increased compared to that sliding in air. The water cooling and lubrication role decreased the tribological properties difference between the polymers.     

KDP晶体微纳加工表层杂质对其激光损伤阈值影响的有限元分析

 根据KDP晶体杂质附近的温度场及热应力场理论,分析了微纳加工表层杂质影响下晶体温度场及热应力场的分布情况,发现杂质离子对激光的强吸收作用是造成KDP晶体损伤的主要原因之一,也是影响KDP晶体激光损伤阈值的最主要因素。通过分析还发现杂质半径对晶体的激光损伤阈值也有影响,并得到一个有害的杂质半径,使得杂质吸收能量最多,温度最高。另外杂质种类及杂质含量的不同也会对晶体的激光损伤阈值产生影响。     

聚醚砜/微纳纤维素复合膜材料的光谱表征与性能研究

采用FTIR表征了聚醚砜/微纳纤维素复合膜材料的官能团特征,利用XRD分析了复合膜材料的结晶度变化情况。研究了微纳纤维素质量分数的变化对膜亲水性能的影响。通过SEM观察了复合膜支撑层的膜结构。结果表明, 复合膜材料同时具有聚醚砜、微纳纤维素红外特征峰,且没有新峰出现,说明复合膜中微纳纤维素与聚醚砜为氢键缔合作用,无新官能团的产生,达到分子水平的相容。微纳纤维素的存在使得复合膜结晶性能增强,结晶度从37.7%增大至47.9%。随着微纳纤维素质量分数的增加,复合膜对水的范德华力和氢键力增强,亲水角从55.8°下降至45.8°,表面能从113.7 mN·m-2增加到123.5 mN·m-2,从而提高了复合膜材料的亲水性。复合膜多孔支撑层表面孔数较多,孔径有所增大,膜孔分布较为均匀。     

The effect of non-contact heating (microwave irradiation) and contact heating (annealing process) on properties and performance of polyethersulfone nanofiltration membranes

In this work the effect of microwave irradiation on morphology and performance of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes was investigated. The membranes were prepared with 20 wt.% of PES by phase inversion method. N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and mixture of water and ethyl alcohol (90/10 vol.%) were employed as solvent and coagulant respectively. Polyvinylpirrolidone (PVP) with the concentration of 2 wt.% was selected as pore former. The effects of irradiation time (10, 30, 60, 90, 120 s) and microwave power (180, 360, 720 and 900 W) on structure and performance of membranes were studied. Increasing the irradiation time and power caused variation in permeate flux and ion rejection. Moreover, the effects of annealing processes (60, 70, 80 °C) were studied. Transmembrane pressure was selected around 1.5 MPa for all experiments. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) were employed to describe the surface morphology of the prepared membranes. The effect of microwave irradiation time in different power revealed alterations in membrane surface morphology and AFM images represented that surface parameters (such as surface roughness) have been changed. The membrane exhibited moderate rejection (47%) and low permeate flux (4.5 kg/m² h) at 80 °C for NaCl solution. The SEM images indicate that the dense skin layer is formed at 80 °C annealing.     

The acoustic performance of ventilated window with quarter-wave resonators and membrane absorber

Noise and air pollution problems become significantly in a busy city such as Hong Kong since buildings usually located close to the heavy traffic lines. Traditional openable window cannot fulfill all the functions of noise reduction, lighting and natural ventilation. A new ventilated window combines the multiple quarter-wave resonators (silencer) and the new wing wall designs aim to make a balance between acoustic and ventilation performances at the same time. Furthermore, the use of multiple-wave resonators and membrane absorber which made plexi-glass plastic sheet replace absorption material can improve the durability; avoid small particle emission and light transparency.The acoustic and ventilation performance of new ventilated window were examined in this study. Noise attenuation of the new ventilated window design has improved significantly by combine flexible absorber and quarter-wave resonator effects. Transmission loss of 10–22 dB can be achieved in the frequency range of 500 Hz–4 kHz band. Outlet air flow velocity of ventilated window design is higher than that of “an open window”. Thus, both the acoustics and ventilation performance of the new ventilated window is essential. Wind-driven natural ventilation is an effective strategy in maintaining the comfort and health of the indoor environment.     

形状和原子数对纳米晶表面能的影响

确定了德拜温度与原子相互作用势的相互关系以及直角形纳米晶原子的平均配位数与形状和 原子数的关系.应用统计物理理论得到直角形纳米晶的表面能随温度、原子数和形状的变化 规律.以Ar纳米晶为例，讨论了形状和原子数对纳米晶表面能的影响. 关键词： 纳米晶 表面能 形状和线度     

吸声型薄膜声学超材料低频宽带吸声性能研究*

本文根据吸声型薄膜声学超材料的吸声机理，在传统的吸声型薄膜声学超材料结构的基础上引入质量非对称结构， 优化了不同厚度质量片的排布方式，并根据优化结果制备了能够实现低频宽带吸声效果的薄膜声学超材料样品。对其进行声学实验的测试结果显示，样品在 100-1000Hz 频率范围内的平均吸声系数达 0.25，并在 250-800Hz 频率范围内出现了多个共振吸收峰，且实验测得的吸声系数曲线与仿真曲线的趋势有较高的一致性。因此该样品实现了低频宽带吸声。     

The permeation of gases through symmetric and asymmetric (Loeb-Type) cellulose acetate membranes

Significant differences have been observed in the steady-state permeation of gases through symmetric and asymmetric (Loeb-type) cellulose acetate membranes. The studies were made with O₂, N₂, Ar, Kr, Xe, and CO₂ in the temperature range from -5 to 85°C and at subatmospheric pressures. The differences in permeation behavior may reflect structural differences between the symmetric membranes and the dense surface layer (“skin”) of the asymmetric membranes. The overall mechanism of gas permeation through the symmetric membranes appears to be one of “solution-diffusion,” similar to that observed with many other nonporous polymeric membranes. In the case of the asymmetric membranes, this mechanism is probably modified by the presence of micropores or other imperfections in the dense surface layer. Cellulose acetate exhibits two second-order transitions in the presence of the penetrant gases, one between 60 and 70°C and the other near 15°C. The transitions were observed with both types of membranes.     

非简谐振动对纳米金刚石表面性质的影响

借助米-里纳德-金斯势研究了纳米金刚石的Debye温度、表面能、表面压强、晶格参量随原子数和形状的变化规律, 探讨了非简谐振动和形状对其表面性质的影响.结果表明: 1)纳米金刚石的Debye温度和表面能随原子数的增多而增大, 其中杆状的Debye温度和表面能要小于立方形的值; 2)纳米金刚石的表面压强和低温时的晶格参量相对变化量随原子数N 的增多而减小,其中杆状的值要比立方形的值要大; 3)原子数较少时,非简谐振动效应和形状对纳米晶的Debye温度、表面能、 表面压强、晶格参量的影响显著.     

环氧树脂的等离子体表面梯度刻蚀及沿面闪络性能研究

结合等离子体表面刻蚀方法与梯度改性方法,实现了氧化铝/环氧树脂表面的等离子体梯度刻蚀。利用扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、表面轮廓仪、X射线光电子能谱分析(XPS)、高阻计、闪络电压和表面电位测试系统,对比了未处理、等离子体均匀刻蚀、等离子体梯度刻蚀三种情况的样片表面形貌、化学元素和电气参数,研究了等离子体梯度刻蚀对沿面闪络性能的提升机理。结果表明,等离子体表面刻蚀可提升环氧树脂表面粗糙度、提高样片表面电导率、浅化陷阱能级以及提升沿面闪络电压。等离子体梯度刻蚀对闪络电压的提升效果要优于等离子体均匀刻蚀,相比于未处理样片最大可提升26.5%。分析认为针-针电极的电场分布可划分为三结合点处附近的高场强区和电极之间的低场强区,加快高场强区的表面电荷消散速率并适当控制低场强区表面电荷迁移速率,可以最大程度地提升样片整体的沿面闪络性能。     

无序二元合金（NixCu1-x）表面CO吸附及对表面偏析的影响

根据计算机编程构造出了存在和不存在表面偏析的无序二元合金Ni_xCu_1-x（x=0.4）的原子集团模型，然后按覆盖度θ=0.5，构造出了CO表面吸附的模型 ，应用Recursion方法计算了CO在（Ni_xCu_1-x）（存在偏析和不存在偏析时）合金表面不同位置（顶位和芯位）吸附的电子结构 .由此得出：1)CO在顶位吸附时较稳定；2)CO吸附使合金表面态密度峰降低，带宽加宽，使d轨道的局域性变弱；3)CO的吸附抑制了Cu 关键词： 化学吸附 表面偏析 Recursion方法 态密度     

乙烯在Ni（110）表面吸附的几何结构

用理论计算的方法研究了不同覆盖度的乙烯在Ni（110）表面吸附的位置.乙烯的吸附几何结构在团簇计算中进行了局部优化.在低覆盖度下，单个乙烯分子占据了短桥位和顶位之间的中间位置.乙烯分子的C—C轴大致沿衬底的Ni原子链排列（即沿<110>晶向），C—C轴与衬底Ni（110）表面有10°的倾斜角.乙烯分子的C—C键的键长为0151nm.在高覆盖度下(05ML)，乙烯在Ni (110)上形成了有序的c（2×4）相，在一个表面元胞内的两个乙烯分子的吸附位置类似于低覆盖度时的结果，但乙烯分子的C—C 键键长分别为0142和0143nm.     

Asymmetric surface modification of poly(ethylene terephthalate) film by CF4 plasma immersion

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films were treated with CF₄ plasma immersion. The samples were processed at different RF powers and treatment time. The surface modification of PET films was evaluated by water contact angle (CA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Decrease in contact angle of both sides of PET films was observed under mild treatment conditions. However, as raising treatment power and/or time, the change in contact angle between the two sides of PET films was different. The relatively hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces were being in situ formed on the two sides of PET films, respectively. And the extreme values of water contact angle reached 108.63 and 7.56°, respectively. XPS analyses revealed that there was a substantial incorporation of fluorine and/or oxygen atoms in both side surfaces. The relative chemical composition of the C (ls) spectra's showed the incorporation of non-polar fluorine-based functionalities (i.e. CFCF_n, CF₂ or CF₃ groups) and polar oxygen-based functionalities (i.e. COOH or OH groups) in the surfaces. Correlation between the plasma parameters and the surface modification of PET films is also discussed.     

Ne-HBr复合物CCSD(T)势能面对转动非弹性分波截面的影响

利用非线性最小二乘法拟合在CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVQZ理论水平下计算的相互作用能，得到了基态Ne-HBr复合物势能面的解析表达式.在此基础上，采用量子密耦方法计算了入射能量分别为40，60，80 和100meV时，Ne原子与HBr分子碰撞的分波截面，详细讨论了CCSD(T)势能面的长程吸引和短程各向异性相互作用对非弹性分波截面的影响.结果表明：(1)总非弹性分波截面主要来自j=0 →j′=1, 2跃迁.高J端的尾部极大是势能面长程吸引阱的贡献，主要来自j=0 →j′=1跃迁；低J端的主极大是短程排斥的贡献，主要来自j=0 →j′=2跃迁；极小值是短程排斥和长程吸引作用相互抵消的结果.(2)尽管不同入射能量时非弹性分波截面的峰值和极小值对应的总角动量量子数J各不相同，但它们对应于几乎相同的碰撞参数，取样势能面的相同部分.     

电介质桁架对频率选择表面传输特性的影响

为了分析电介质桁架结构对频率选择表面(FSS)传输特性的影响,以Y环单元的FSS和聚酰亚胺材质制备的桁架结构为例,采用时域有限差分方法进行计算和分析.建立物理模型并定义了孔径阻挡比P,通过分析证明了改变桁架的周期T以及肋骨的宽度D会对FSS的传输性能产生规律性影响,成为衡量电介质桁架结构的主要参数,且孔径阻挡比P的提高将增加传输损耗.当T值由无限大变为80 mm时,通带透过率平均下降超过0.9 dB;当D值由0变为20 mm时,通带透过率平均下降超过1 dB.当P值小于12.11%时通带不产生偏移现象;当P值小于4.12%时,桁架对FSS的影响可忽略不计.采用镀膜和光刻工艺制备FSS试件、数控机械加工方式制备电介质桁架,并在微波暗室中进行测量,验证实验与计算结果相符合,为拟采用电介质桁架结构的FSS隐身雷达罩工程应用提供了理论与实验的参考依据.     

Scanning tunneling microscopy study of surface reconstruction induced by N adsorption on Cu (100) surface

The reconstructed structure of Cu (100) surface induced by atomic N adsorption is studied by using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The 2D structure of copper boundary between neighbouring N covered islands is found to be sensitive to the growth conditions, e.g. N⁺ bombardment time and annealing temperature. The copper boundary experiences a transition from nano-scale stripe to nano-particle when the substrate is continuously annealed at 623~K for a longer time. A well-defined copper-stripe network can be achieved by precisely controlling the growth conditions, which highlights the possibility of producing new templates for nanofabrication.