Finite element assessment of the potential of platelet-filled polymers for membrane gas separations

We use the finite element method to analyze the role of filler aspect ratio and volume loading on the effective permeability and selectivity of gas-separation membranes consisting of a polymer matrix filled with platelet-shaped molecular sieving particles. On the basis of direct 3D finite element estimates, we develop and validate a quick arithmetic procedure for predicting the effective permeability and selectivity of platelet-filled systems. We use this procedure to show that it is feasible to obtain mixed matrix platelet-filled membranes with effective permselectivities considerably exceeding the upper Robeson's bounds.