| 研究実績の概要 |
Our focus was on optimizing the hydroxyapatite (HAp) for use as a filter membrane. Initial optimizations were performed on a hydrothermal method and large-scale quantities of needle-like HAp were successfully prepared as free-standing filter membranes and as a coating on different substrates.
To improve the stability, inclusion of an elongated "whisker-like" form of HAp was attempted, with the synthesis based on a fatty-acid mediated solvothermal synthesis. Filters prepared from this whisker-like HAp show improved flexibility and resilience.
Successful use of free-standing membranes of HAp as filter material capable of separating 50 nm polystyrene spheres from aqueous solution without destruction or dissolution of the films. Triethanolamine is the current best performing dispersant for EPD.
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| 現在までの達成度 (区分) |
現在までの達成度 (区分)
2: おおむね順調に進展している
理由
Current work is based on the production of water-stable films of HAp on SiC and their evaluation as filter material. The aim of the filter materials is to produce an environmentally friendly, and reusable membrane made from the desired materials. Different binders are being trialled for their suitability. Testing so far has encompassed inorganic binders (MgO2, TiO2, and SiO2) and polymeric organic binders.
Slight issue with optimization of the SiC based materials, due to the natural variation in conductivity in the SiC samples. Alternative method developed using a conductive backing layer in contact with the SiC, but covered itself in non-conductive polymer.
Now that most of the material optimization is complete, we can move steadily forward.
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| 今後の研究の推進方策 |
Initial plan was to produce a filter apparatus and measure the filtration efficiency using this, however, after discussion with the partners of the LINK laboratory, access to a filtration set-up through Saint-Gobain, working with SiC filters is available. Cylindrical (as well as planar) filters will be optimized using this apparatus for filtration efficiency, and resiliency.
Filter optimization to commence based on their performance in terms of filter stability, solvent flux, and separation efficiency. Further, selectivity of the filter membranes will be established by the production of polymer particles with different surface functionalities, different sizes, and mixtures of them. Flux measurements will monitor solvent flux during filtration, and after a number of filtration processes.
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