Influence of coagulation bath on morphology of cellulose membranes prepared by NMMO method

To control the morphology of cellulose membranes used for separation, they were prepared by the NMMO method using water, methanol, ethanol and their binary solution as coagulation baths. Morphologies of the surface and cross section of dry membranes were observed. The pore structure parameters of wet membranes were determined. By comparison, the process and mechanism of pore formation in dry membranes were suggested, and the relativity of cellulose crystal size to average pore diameter in wet membranes and their influences were discussed. The results show that the morphology of dry membranes is clearly varied with coagulation baths, while the porosity of wet membranes is almost constant. Porous structures can appear in the compact region of dry membranes due to swelling from water. These pores have a virtual effect on the average pore diameter of wet membranes. By changing the composition of coagulation baths, the microstructure of cellulose membranes in a dry or wet environment can be adjusted separately.