A review on models and simulations of membrane formation via phase inversion processes

Phase inversion processes, in which a polymer is transformed from thin solution film into solid matrix upon exposure to another gas/liquid phase or temperature change, represent the most widely used manufacturing technique for polymeric membranes. However, level of understanding connection between process variables and final membrane structure remains surprisingly empirical. Modeling efforts have largely been based on heuristics that correlate experimentally observed pore structures with conditions, using thermodynamic diagrams macroscopic transport models. Recent developments added mesoscopic field approaches molecular simulations array modeling techniques applied this problem. These latest hold promise delivering accurate, directly visualized representations formed by given process. This article firstly provides an overview capabilities limitations different then focuses how they developed over last 40 years aid our formation via especially nonsolvent induced separation (wet-casting), vapor/evaporation (dry-casting), thermally-driven. Meanwhile, current challenges future prospects, such as linking across length time scales well capturing detailed effects crystallization, are also discussed. review aims offer inspiration further progress development preparation processes.