Membranes of poly(ether imide) and nanodispersed silica

Organic-inorganic hybrids of poly(ether imide) and silica were prepared by in situ growth of the inorganic network by hydrolysis and condensation of T EOS. The dispersion of the inorganic and organic phase was possible in the nanoscale with addition of amino silane as shown by field emission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. An increase of T-g of dense films was detected by differential scanning calorimetry with incorporation of the inorganic component. Membranes with quite different morphologies were prep ared by phase inversion with different TEOS concentrations. Their performan ce as support of composite membranes for vapor separation was evaluated und er pressures of 80 bar, confirming the advantage of the introduction of the inorganic component. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.