Inventors:
Stephen Z. Jakabhazy - Weston MA
Leos J. Zeman - Winchester MA
Assignee:
Abcor, Inc. - Wilmington MA
International Classification:
B05D 500
B01D 1300
Abstract:
A process for preparing a microporous polymeric membrane, which process comprises preparing a polymer-casting solution, casting a thin film of the casting solution on a support base, allowing partial evaporation of the solvent from the cast film for a predetermined period of time and contacting the partially evaporated cast film with the microporous leaching liquid to provide a membrane, the improvement which comprises: providing a casting solution which comprises a vinylidene fluoride polymer and from about 35 to about 85% by weight of a vinyl acetate polymer; and hydrolyzing the acetate polymer after the leaching step to convert the acetate groups to hydroxyl groups, to provide an improved membrane having good mechanical strength and hydrophilic properties.