Mathematical model for the formation of thin-film composite hollow fiber and tubular membranes by interfacial polymerization

A general model has been developed for the formation of thin-film composite hollow fiber and tubular membranes by diffusion- and reaction-controlled i nterfacial polymerization under non-steady-state boundary conditions. The s pecial models for either diffusion-controlled or reaction-controlled interf acial polymerization under both steady and non-steady state boundary condit ions have been obtained by simplifying the general model. The special model s agree with similar models, where available in the literature. This work s ignificantly extends existing theories for the formation of thin-film compo site membranes by interfacial polymerization and provides an important guid e for effective control of the thickness of the surface barrier layer of th in-film composite membranes prepared by interfacial polymerization. (C) 200 1 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.