Braid-reinforced hollow fiber membrane

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a braid-reinforced hollow fiber membrane, comprising an active layer formed on the surface of a tubular braid, wherein the braid is made of a mixture of metal wire with polymer fiber. The hollow fiber membrane can be used in separation processes at high pressure due to the pressure resistance thereof, can be used in the separation of organic solvents at high temperature due to the dimensional stability thereof, and in addition, can be used in various applications due to the electrical conductivity thereof.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A hollow fiber membrane, comprising:
 a hollow, tubular braid of a number of spiraled, bare, metal wires and a number of spiraled polymer fibers, wherein the metal wires are spaced from each other with the polymer fibers therebetween; and   an active layer formed on an outer surface of the tubular braid,   wherein a ratio of the number of metal wires relative to a number of total wires and fibers in the braid is 5-30%, and   wherein the metal wires provide electrical conductivity to the membrane.   
     
     
         12 . The membrane of  claim 11 , wherein the metal wires are selected from the group consisting of: copper wire, nickel wire, stainless steel wire, tin wire, and nichrome wire. 
     
     
         13 . The membrane of  claim 11 , wherein the metal wires each have a diameter of 0.05-0.40 mm. 
     
     
         14 . The membrane of  claim 11 , wherein the polymer fibers are selected from the group consisting of: polyester fiber, nylon fiber, aramid fiber, polypropylene fiber, and polyethylene fiber. 
     
     
         15 . The membrane of  claim 11 , wherein a total number of the polymer fibers and metal wires is 10-80.