Hydrophilic cross-linked polymeric membranes and sorbents

Abstract

Hydrophilic cross-linked polymeric membranes, when prepared according to the process of the present invention, are unique in character in as much as the steady state permeability of the membrane has been altered by blending and cross-linking polyalkyl amines and polyalcohols. To obtain desired results, the compositions must contain at least 10% polyalkyl amines, with preferred amounts of polyalkyl amines in the composition being in excess of 40%, with over 50% polyalkyl amine concentration by weight being most preferred.

1 : A polymeric composition of matter which contains at least 10% of at least one polyalkyl amine and one poly alcohol prepared by cross-linking with an agent which is an aldahyde or acid.  
     
     
         2 : The composition of  claim 1  which is in the form of a membrane.  
     
     
         3 : The membrane of  claim 2  wherein the polyalkyl amine is chosen from among polyallyl amine, polyvinyl amine, poly-4-vinyl pyridine and poly-2-vinyl pyridine.  
     
     
         4 : The membrane of  claim 2  wherein the polyalcohol is chosen from among polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol and polyallyl alcohol.  
     
     
         5 : The membrane of  claim 2  wherein the polyalkyl amine is an ionic derivative of the amine.  
     
     
         6 : The membrane of  claim 5  wherein the ionic group is a chloride, sulfate or nitrate.  
     
     
         7 : The membrane of  claim 2  which is a selectively permeable membrane.  
     
     
         8 : The membrane of  claim 2  which is on a porous support.  
     
     
         9 : The membrane of  claim 2  containing, additionally, silicon dioxide particles.  
     
     
         10 : A process for removing water from a process stream using the membrane of  claim 2  comprising contacting said stream with said membrane, said stream containing an organic component.  
     
     
         11 : The process of  claim 10  wherein the process stream is a vapor.  
     
     
         12 : The process of  claim 10  wherein the process stream is a liquid.  
     
     
         13 : The composition of  claim 1  which is in the form of sorbent particles.  
     
     
         14 : A process of removing water from a stream containing an organic/water mixture by exposure of said mixture to the sorbent particles of  claim 13 .  
     
     
         15 : A process of removing water from a stream containing an organic/water mixture comprising the steps of: 
 a: loading a column with the particles of  claim 13 , and    b: passing said stream containing an organic/water mixture through said column.    
     
     
         16 : The process of  claim 15  wherein said stream is a liquid.  
     
     
         17 : The process of  claim 15  wherein said stream is a vapor.  
     
     
         18 : The composition of  claim 1  wherein the polyalkyl amine component is present at a concentration of at least 40% by weight.  
     
     
         19 : The method of  claim 18  wherein the polyalkyl amine is present at a 50% to 90% concentration by weight.  
     
     
         20 : The composition of  claim 18  containing sorbent particles.