New ultrasonic technique for the study of the pore shape of track-etched pores in polymer films

A new technique for the study of the pore shape of track-etched pores in polymer films is presented. This technique is based on the use of air-coupled ultrasounds and phase and magnitude spectral analysis. Transmission of ultrasounds through these membranes is made up of two contributions: propagation through the solid part and propagation along the pore channels. A time-domain procedure to separate these to contributions is presented. Sensitivity of ultrasounds propagation in the pore channels to variations of pore shape is studied. Membranes with similar properties (gas flow rate values) but slight differences in the pore shape are studied. The proposed technique reveals to be sensitive to such differences; unlike other techniques, it is capable to provide information in a separate way about pore aperture at the surface and pore diameter inside the membrane, in addition the technique is non-destructive.