Prediction and Optimization of Interlayer-Interface Resistance for Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene-Laminated Polyphenylene Sulfide Composite Membranes

In this work, the interfacial effect on the air resistance of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene/polyphenylene sulfide (ePTFE/PPS) composite membrane was investigated experimentally and using numerical simulation. The existence of interlayer-interface resistance (IIR) was confirmed by comparative experiments, which accounted for 15% of the total resistance of the ePTFE/PPS composite membrane. Through structural modeling of ePTFE/PPS and numerical simulation, the main factors that affect the IIR were determined to be the interlayer distance, fiber diameter ratio, and fiber configuration, while the turbulence effect of suddenly changed air flow direction is the primary cause of the IIR. It was found that profiled fibers with a smaller intersection angle and diameter ratio can effectively decrease the IIR. To eliminate the influence of the IIR and PPS fiber melting-induced pore blocking in the lamination process, the model modification parameter and air permeability effective coefficient 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.

Automated summary

This study investigates the interfacial effect on the air resistance of the ePTFE/PPS composite membrane through experimental and numerical simulation. It is found that profiled fibers with a smaller intersection angle and diameter ratio can effectively decrease the interlayer-interface resistance (IIR). Model modification parameters and air permeability effective coefficient are introduced to optimize the composite membrane.