This report describes the constitution and application of polymeric membranes in separation processes.

In this report Dr. Naylor first reviews the relationship between membrane structures and separation properties. He then considers the membrane separation processes in turn, in each case providing a historical perspective, a discussion of the underlying principles including the requirements in terms of membrane properties, an outline of the range of applications and an overview of recent research. The separation processes covered are reverse osmosis and nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, gas separation, pervaporation and ion exchange.

This review is supported by an extensive bibliography compiled from the Polymer Library.