Characterization of hemophan hemodialysis membranes by thermoporometry

A new wet-state membrane characterization method, thermoporometry, was used to study the effect on membrane structure of commonly used sterilization methods for artificial kidney membranes. The porosity and pore size distribution of differently sterilized hollow fiber Hemophan hemodialysis membranes were determined. Also the effect of a glycerol treatment (before sterilization) on porosity and pore size distribution after sterilization was studied. Hemophan was found to have a pore size distribution of pores with radii between 1.5 and 12 nm. Most of the samples had a maximum pore volume at a pore radius of 2.5 nm, only the steam sterilized and non glycerol treated sample had a maximum pore volume at 1.5 nm. The porosity was found to vary between 14 and 31% and was dependent on the applied treatment.