The preparation of microporous membranes from blends of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and sulfonated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)

Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) is a chemically resistant polymer and, therefore, an attractive material for the formation of membranes. However, membranes of unmodified PPO prepared by an immersion precipitation possess very low hydraulic permeabilities at the filtration processes. The membranes with higher hydraulic permeabilities can be prepared from sulfonated PPO and/or from blends of unsulfonated PPO and sulfonated PPO. In conclusion, the mechanism of the formation of membranes from blends of unsulfonated PPO and sulfonated PPO is suggested.