When Covestro approached EMI Twente with a newly developed polymer platform, the goal was clear: to explore its potential for membrane applications. Together, we set out to translate this new material into functional hollow fiber membranes — moving from polymer granulate to modules ready for performance testing.
At EMI Twente, we supported the project through all key stages of the membrane development process. Starting with spinning recipe development, we established solvent systems and processing conditions that ensured stable fiber formation while maintaining the intrinsic properties of the polymer. Once the first successful fibers were produced, we continued with hollow fiber spinning trials to optimize morphology, pore structure, and mechanical strength.
Each step was supported by characterization and performance testing, including measurements of fiber dimensions, morphology, and permeability. The most promising fibers were subsequently assembled into small-scale membrane modules, enabling practical evaluation under relevant process conditions.
The collaboration combined Covestro’s expertise in polymer chemistry with EMI Twente’s know-how in membrane process development and pilot module manufacturing. Together, we demonstrated that this new polymer can be successfully processed into robust hollow fiber membranes, paving the way for further exploration in future applications.
Seeing our new polymer platform successfully spun into functional hollow fiber modules was a key milestone for us. EMI Twente’s experience and pragmatic approach helped us quickly translate our material innovation into tangible test samples.
Dr. Sohajl Movahhed
Platform Coordinator Innovation Platforms, Group Innovation & Sustainability
