• Membrane Journal
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.304-311
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• 2004

The poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP) and silica-filled PTMSP membranes were prepared by casting from a toluene solution on porous polyetherimide (PEI). FT-IR spectrum, GPC and SEM pictures have been taken to characterize the membranes. The particle size of membrane decreases as silica content of the membrane increases from 23 to 60 wt%, and a uniform distribution of the silica is observed. The separation properties of the gas mixture (32 mol% $H_2$/ 68 mol% $N_2$) through the composite membranes were studies as a function of pressure and percentage of silica. Selectivity values of $H_2$/$N_2$ increased as the pressure of permeation cell and silica content of the membrane increased. The real separation factor($\alpha$), head separation factor($\beta$), and tail separation factor((equation omitted)) of PTMSP-PEI composite membrane were 2.28, 1.58, and 1.44 respectively at $\Delta$P 30 psi and $25^{\circ}C$. $\alpha$, $\beta$, and (equation omitted) of PTMSP-Silica-PEI composite membrane for 60 wt% silica were 3.34, 1.95, 1.72 at $\Delta$P 30 psi and $25^{\circ}C$.