CUSTOMISED TRACK-ETCHED MEMBRANE FILTERS
polycarbonate (PC) – polyester (PET) – polyimide (PI)
Based on feasibility test results, and after a potential track etching process optimization, we will supply you with test samples suitable:
- to check membrane efficiency in your applications;
- to step-by-step further optimize membrane specifications.
After final validation of your proprietary product specifications, large scale manufacturing will be carried out in our clean rooms to supply high quality controlled products accompanied by a certificate of conformity.
Choice of material
Polycarbonate, polyester but also POLYIMIDE
In addition to the polycarbonate and to the polyester materials, track-etched membrane filters are also manufactured from polyimide material.
Our polymide track-etched membrane filters are of yellow color and offer high thermal stability and good chemical resistance.
- Maximum operating temperature of PI filters: up to 350°C (660°F) compared to 140°C (284°F) for PC and PET filters.
Selection of polymer FILM THICKNESS
Different polymer film thicknesses are available for the manufacturing of track-etched membrane filters:
- polycarbonate (PC) films:
6 µm – 10 µm – 12 µm – 15 µm – 25 µm (1) – 50 µm - polyester (PET) films:
12 µm – 18 µm – 23 µm (1) – 50 µm - polyimide (PI) films:
7.6 µm – 12 µm – 25 µm (1) – 50 µm
(1) standard thickness
Remember that the filter thickness is dependant on the initial film thickness and on the pore size. For example, a filter made from 25 μm thick PC film and having 5 μm pores will be characterised by a final thickness close to 21 μm (≈ 25 – [0.9 x 5]).
Choice of porosity
Specify the PORE SIZE
it4ip membrane filters feature a sharply defined cylindrical shape. This shape is conserved even at pore dimensions ranging from 10 nanometers to over 30 micrometers. This outstanding shape and dimensional control makes them suited for the most demanding filtration operations, but also as template for the synthesis of 1D nano- or microobjects.
options for HIGH POROSITY (above 40%)
Although the maximal porosity of a standard track-etched filter is around 20%, under specific conditions, track-etching technology can be adapted to the manufacture of filters having a porosity above 40%.
Despite their high porosity, these track-etched filters keep a good selectivity and a mechanical resistance adequate for their use in filtration device requiring high flow rates.
Comparatively, air flow rates through standard track-etched filters with a pore size of 3.0 µm or of 5.0 μm are around 30 L.
Air flow rates expressed in litres (L) per min and per square centimetre at a pressure drop of 0.7 bar (10 psi).
options for PORE ALIGNMENT
Multi-angle pores
Standard pore alignment used in most track-etched membrane filters to avoid recovering of parallel pores and to ensure a sharp cut-off.
For specific applications, other pore alignment can be considered:
Parallel pores
All perpendicular to the membrane surface:
Parallel pores
All tilted from the vertical:
Any other request for pore alignment, please contact us.
Choice of surface property
HYDROPHOBIC membrane filters
- Standard membrane filters are currently PVP treated (hydrophilic), but they can be also supplied without any surface treatment (hydrophobic).
- Surface treatment to increase cell growth and binding during cell culture is also applied on request (ipCELLCULTURE™ filters).
METAL COATED membrane filters
- And for specific applications, membrane filters can be metal coated – availability for coating with Ag, Au, Cu, Al or Ti.
Choice of product format
Supply in ROLL format
Most of our products can be supplied in roll format from 10 to 500 mm wide.
Supply in DISC, SQUARE or RECTANGULAR shape
Various formats currently available.
