Abstract
In order to obtain knowledge on the preparation of fine particles embedded membranes, the dispersion of synthetic zeolite particles with a strong hydrophilic surface in non-aqueous solutions was studied using syndiotic 1, 2 polybutadiene as a polymer (membrane material). A mixture of solvent/non-solvent was used to control solvency conditions for the polymer. The results indicated that the adsorbed polymer improved the effectiveness of the dispersion and the amount polymer adsorbed increased with increasing volume fraction of nonsolvent. The best dispersion occurred slightly before the θ point. The effect of the solvency on the dispersion was elucidated by the theory of steric stabilization. Surface modification by a coupling agent gave a significant increase in polymer adsorption and hence good dispersion while bringing about a reduction in water vapor adsorption onto the zeolite particles.
