TechnologIES – POROUS MEMBRANES

Oxyphen Track-Etched Membranes

Precision Excellence Above All Membrane Technologies

Track-Etched Membranes Offer More Precise Control Over Pore Size and Pore Density

Our track-etched membrane technology comes to us from our sister company Oxyphen, a global leader in microporous membrane products with quality manufacturing sites in Wetzikon, Switzerland, and Lottsletten, Germany. Working with Oxyphen, Porex can support our customers across many venting and filtration applications in the life science, automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

Track-etched membranes (TEM) feature a unique pore structure that offers the smallest pore size and pore density tolerances on the market. Due to their smooth surface, track-etched membranes are a perfect surface filter with reversible (backflush) and self-cleaning functionality for hydrophobic, oleophobic, and hydrophilic applications.

There are two membrane technologies for customers to choose from – Unique-Mem® and RoTrac®. Unique-Mem® track-etched membranes are a single, unlaminated membrane layers that are available as hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Depending on pore density, they can also be transparent or translucent. RoTrac® membranes are laminated Unique-Mem® track-etched membranes that are supported with nonwovens (PP or PET) to create a more robust laminated membrane structure. They, too, are available as either hydrophilic or hydrophobic. All of our track-etched membranes are 100% free of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and 98% free of PFAS and produced using a 100% controlled two-step process that involves beaming with accelerated noble gas ions and then etching the cylindrical pores along the tracks.

A full spectrum of membrane assembly options is available to our customers, including rollstock, pre-punched discs, self-adhesive pads, pressure compensation units, as well as custom assemblies and modules for specific applications.

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Intro to Track-Etched Membrane Technology

Manufacturing process

Partnering with our sister company Oxyphen, our track-etched membrane technology is created using a two-step process. Using proprietary beaming equipment operated only by Oxyphen employees, we begin by performing heavy ion beaming of the polymer film. This allows for 100% control of the pore density. Each ion creates a laten track, which we then etch cylindrical pores along. This allows for 100% control of the pore sizes. Optional surface treatments and lamination processes are also available which can expand functionality as well as mechanical stability if it is needed for the application.

Options for customizing track-etched membranes

Physical properties

When incorporating a track-etched membrane into your product, it’s critical to understand the physical properties impacting the materials and functionality of the part including:

Air flow rate: the volume of air being delivered at a given pressure drop through a specific area. This is a critical measure for designing a venting membrane. One important thing to note – air flow rate will increase through the same vent as the pressure drop increases.
Pore Size: the size of the voids in a porous media. Depending on the technology and material selected, pore sizes can range from 1μm to 10μm.
Pore Density: the degree of compactness of the pores. Depending on the technology and material selected, pore density can range from 0.01M to 1,000M pores per cm².
Operating temperature: the temperature range at which the part will be required to operate.

Chemical properties

Choosing the right polymer is important to ensure lasting functionality in your device. Below is a chemical compatibility comparison of PET material and sintered particles:

Chemicals	PET
Acids (non oxidizing)	Fair
Bases	Poor
Oil	Good
Aromatic solvents	Good
Non-polar aliphatic solvent	Good
Polar-aprotic solvents	Good
Polar-Protic solvents	Good
Halogenated solvent	Good
Oxidizing agents	Fair

Specification	Unique-Mem® Track-Etched Membranes	RoTrac® Track-Etched Membranes
Bandwidth (mm)	10, 13, 14.5, 20 & custom sizes
High Quality Raw Materials	PET – naturally slightly hydrophilic PC – naturally slightly hydrophobic	PET-Membrane/ PET-Nonwoven –harder PET-Membrane/ PP-Nonwoven – softer
Pore Size Ranges	0.1µm to 10µm	0.2µm to 3.0µm
Pore Density Ranges	10⁵ to 10⁹ pores per cm²	2×10⁶ bis 3×10⁸ pores per cm²
Thickness Ranges	8µm to 50µm	90µm to 220µm
Temperature Ranges	– 40°C and 160°C (for special application < 200°C)	– 40°C and 130°C (for special application < 160°C)
Air Flow Ranges	Up to 800 l / (bar cm² min)	Up to 37 l / (bar cm² min)
Hydrophilic Treatments	Various hydrophilic treatments increase water flow rate and wetting abilities of the membrane (example: PVP treatment)
Hydrophobic / Oleophobic Treatment:	Grade up to 7.5; AATCC TM 118
Salt spray resistance test²	According to IEC 60068-2-52, based on validation by the customer
Temperature resistance test¹	In accordance with ISO 16750-4
Ice water shock test^1&2	In accordance with ISO 16750-4
Climate resistance test	In accordance with ISO 16750-4
Chemical resistance test¹	According LV124/ ISO 16750-5
IP Protection¹	IP 64/65/66/67/68, according to DIN 40050

¹ Testing in Progress

² Based on Customer Validation

Material Options

PET Track-Etched Membranes unlaminated
PET Track-Etched Membranes laminated with PET/ PP non-woven material
Additional membrane materials available upon request

Additive options

Below are some common additives and treatments that expand the potential functionality of your TEM solution when using PET material:

Hydrophobic treatment
Hydrophilic treatment
Bactericidal / bacterial static
Oleophobic treatment
Laminated support structure

For TEM solutions using PC material, hydrophilic treatment is available.

Geometric options

Our track-etched membranes are available in many different geometric options, including:

Rollstock
Pre-punched discs (OxyDisc)
Self-adhesive pads (OxyPad)
Pressure compensation units (OxySeal)
Custom assemblies and modules

Our engineers can work with you to better understand your manufacturing process and determine which size, shape, and dimensions are the best fit for your application. We can even create custom assemblies and modules if needed.

Common applications for track-etched membranes

This list of application examples is just a small selection of what is possible.

Filter

Our track-etched membranes offer ultra-precise flow control and filtration efficiency. They have been used for many years to support tissue engineering, pharmaceutical research, and IV drug delivery among other filtration applications.

Vent

Whether to relieve pressure, allow for cooling, or protect contents from the external environment, our track-etched membranes and membrane assemblies can help to solve venting challenges in automotive, life science, industrial, and consumer applications.

Why do pore size and flow matter?

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