New application note: Characterization of polymeric flat sheet membranes with POROLUX™ porometers
Polymeric membranes are the backbone of many modern filtration and separation processes. From clean water production and biotechnology to industrial separations and energy applications, their versatility and performance make them indispensable. However, understanding and measuring their pore structure is anything but straightforward.
In our latest application note, we explore the complexities of characterizing polymeric flat sheet membranes — and how the POROLUX™ Revo enables precise, repeatable measurements across a wide range of membrane types.
Polymeric flat sheet membranes
Why polymeric membranes matter
Made from materials like PS, PES, PAN, PC, PA, PE, and PP, polymeric membranes come in many forms and serve in processes from microfiltration to reverse osmosis. Their pore size, surface properties, and mechanical strength are tuned through fabrication methods such as:
Phase inversion
Solvent casting
Electrospinning
Track-etching
Interfacial polymerization
These methods produce membranes with unique porous structures and performance characteristics, but also introduce challenges in measurement and characterization — especially when aiming for high-resolution pore size data.
The challenges of measuring polymeric membranes
Accurate pore size measurement requires more than just a standard setup. Key challenges include:
Wetting liquid compatibility – Membrane swelling or additive leaching can distort results.
Structural diversity – Wide variations in pore size demand a broad pressure range.
Varying gas permeability – Both high and low permeability samples need flexible measurement setups.
Narrow pore size distribution – Requires smooth pressure control and fast data acquisition.
Low mechanical strength – Thin or elastic membranes risk deformation or collapse under pressure.
Asymmetry in structure – Measurement direction must be carefully chosen to reflect actual performance.
These challenges make it clear: reliable porometry of polymeric membranes requires specialized technology.
The POROLUX™ Revo advantage
The POROLUX™ Revo is designed to meet these challenges head-on. Equipped with MP² technology, it provides:
Ultra-high resolution
Stable pressure steps for accurate pore opening detection
Widest pressure range for all types of membranes
Modular sample holders and support tools for delicate or elastic samples
Fast measurements, even with tight pore distributions
Whether you're working with microfiltration or nanofiltration membranes, dense layers or porous structures, the POROLUX™ Revo offers confidence in every measurement.
Download the application note
Our new Application Note, “Characterization of Polymeric Flat Sheet Membranes with POROLUX™ Porometers”, dives deeper into these topics with practical recommendations, data insights, and instrument guidance.