Pore Size
The size and distribution of open pores within the porous structure of Vyon® are essential characteristics influencing filtration efficiency of liquids and gases through the material.
Porosity
This is a measure of pore or void space within the porous material. Vyon® has a wide range of porosity ranging from 25% – 65% offering a suitable solution for a variety of applications such as diffusion and filtration. The porosity will have an influence on the permeability, liquid flow and the strength of sintered Vyon®.
Permeability
Permeability is the capacity of a medium to transmit fluids or gases through the porous structure. This is measured by flowing a gas of known viscosity through a porous sample of known dimensions at a set rate, and measuring the pressure drop across the porous material, or by setting the gas to flow at a set pressure difference and measuring the flow rate produced. The permeability will influence both the air and liquid flow rate characteristics of Vyon®.
Pore size measurement by porometry
Pores are filled with fluorocarbon and then expelled using compressed air. The flow measured during this process determines the pore size distribution. The pore diameter using this method is determined by the narrowest point through the pore.
Pore size measured by Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP)
MIP is a powerful measurement tool used to evaluate pore size, porosity and the surface area of Vyon® porous plastics. A pressurised chamber is used to force mercury into a sample of Vyon®. Mercury intrudes and permeates through empty spaces (voids) filling the largest pores first.
Pore size is determined by the full length and volume of the pore.