Phase Inversion Membranes

The science of membrane formation via phase inversion and the technology of producing phase inversion membranes are related in this paper. The discussion begins by presenting the phase inversion mechanism and continues by distinguishing and describing in detail four membrane formation processes used to achieve phase inversion. The structure of the resulting membranes are discussed in terms of asymmetry or skinning and anisotropy. Skinned membranes are classified as integrally- and nonintegrally-skinned microgels and ultragels. Finally, structural irregularities such as wavemarks, macrovoids and blushing are discussed.