SAPO-5 zeolite-filled polyurethane membranes. 1. Preparation and morphological characterisation

SAPO-5 zeolite has been used for modifying the structure of polyurethane (PU) membranes and improving their properties. Polyurethane solutions were selected as organic network and a series of membranes, with content of zeolite varying between 10 and 70 wt.%, were prepared. The incorporation of zeolite in PU membranes is studied by bubble-point and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The used preparation method induces anisotropy in the membranes. SEM pictures reveal an increase of anisotropy in a zeolite-filled PU membranes. These membranes have an asymmetric structure consisting of the top skin (i.e. "active layer"), the sub-structure and the bottom skin.