The performance of dense membranes based on nonpolluting systems of polyurethane aqueous dispersions was evaluated. The mechanical properties and the selectivity and permeability to CO2 and N2 were determined. The aqueous systems were based on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA). The membranes obtained from cast films provided higher permeability and selectivity to CO2 as the HTPB content increased. The tensile strength and the modulus values of the materials increased and the elongation decreased with higher amounts of HTPB. As a result, the presence of HTPB improved the mechanical resistance, the permeability and the selectivity to CO2 of the polyurethane membranes.
Polyurethanes; aqueous dispersions; dense membranes; gas permeability; selectivity
