Prediction and optimization of interlayer-interface resistance for ePTFE
laminated PPS composite membrane
Abstract
In this work, the interfacial effect on the air resistance of the
expanded polytetrafluoroethylene/polyphenylene sulfide (ePTFE/PPS)
composite membrane was investigated experimentally and by numerical
simulation. PPS fiber melting-caused diffusion, porosity reduction in
laminating process, and turbulence effect of sudden changed airflow
direction are confirmed to be the primary causes of the additional
resistance, which occupy more than 40% of the total resistance. To
eliminate the influence of PPS fiber melting-induced pore blocking in
laminating process, the model modification parameter c and air
permeability effective coefficient (σ) were introduced based on a
digital image processing technology. A mathematical model was then
established to predict and optimize the composite membrane. The
predictions from the theoretical calculation were quantitatively in good
agreement with the experimental measurements. It was found that profiled
fiber with smaller intersection angle and diameter ratio can effectively
decrease ~86% of IIR.