Fibers spinning from poly(trimethylsilylpropyne) solutions

ABSTRACT This study for the first time directs in assessment of the necessary conditions for spinning fibers from poly[1‐(trimethylsilyl)1‐propyne], one of the best for gas separation. It includes a search of appropriate solvents, investigation of rheological properties of solutions, a preparation of dopes with reasonable polymer content and a choice of effective coagulants based on their solubility parameters in frames of wet fiber spinning. The fibers were obtained with diameter of 7 ± 1 μm and strength of up to 200 MPa. The morphology of the surface and core of the PTMSP fibers was distinctively different: dense skin and friable core. From the viewpoint of membrane properties, it looks like asymmetrical membrane. In addition, the hollow fibers we prepared by dry spinning method. Overall, the stable fiber spinning process from PTMSP solutions was developed for the first time, and monolith and hollow PTMSP fibers of good quality were obtained. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48511. Based on Hildebrand solubility parameters, kerosene as a solvent and pentane as a coagulant have been chosen for wet PTMSP fiber spinning. As a result, the monolith fibers with dense skin and friable core morphology and hollow fibers were obtained. Both of them can be used as asymmetric membranes for gas separation.