Novel block copolymers comprising at least one (poly)2-C.sub.1-3alkyl-2-oxazoline block and at least one (poly)dimethyl siloxane block, having at least one end group X which includes both an NH.sub.2 group and an NH group, have been found to be particularly suitable for forming vesicles. The vesicles may be used to form filtration membranes.

Novel block copolymers comprising at least one (poly)2-C.sub.1-3alkyl-2-oxazoline block and at least one (poly)dimethyl siloxane block, having at least one end group X which includes both an NH.sub.2 group and an NH group, have been found to be particularly suitable for forming vesicles. The vesicles may be used to form filtration membranes.

A resilient anion exchange membrane including a homogeneous cross-linked ion-transferring polymer substantially filling pores and substantially covering surfaces of a porous substrate, wherein the resilient anion exchange membrane is prepared by polymerizing a composition including a quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant monomer, a crosslinking monomer including two or more ethylenic groups, a free radical initiator, and a solvent.

A resilient anion exchange membrane including a homogeneous cross-linked ion-transferring polymer substantially filling pores and substantially covering surfaces of a porous substrate, wherein the resilient anion exchange membrane is prepared by polymerizing a composition including a quaternary ammonium cationic surfactant monomer, a crosslinking monomer including two or more ethylenic groups, a free radical initiator, and a solvent.

The invention provides a filtration membrane which comprises a porous support and, covalently bonded to a surface thereof, a layer comprising a plurality of vesicles having transmembrane proteins incorporated therein, said vesicles being formed from an amphiphilic block copolymer; characterised in that within said layer, vesicles are covalently linked together to form a coherent mass. The membrane may be prepared by a process which comprises providing an aqueous suspension of vesicles having trans membrane proteins incorporated therein, said vesicles being formed from an amphiphilic block copolymer having reactive end groups; depositing said suspension of vesicles on a surface of a porous support; and providing reaction conditions such that covalent bonds are formed between different vesicles and between vesicles and said surface.

The invention provides a filtration membrane which comprises a porous support and, covalently bonded to a surface thereof, a layer comprising a plurality of vesicles having transmembrane proteins incorporated therein, said vesicles being formed from an amphiphilic block copolymer; characterised in that within said layer, vesicles are covalently linked together to form a coherent mass. The membrane may be prepared by a process which comprises providing an aqueous suspension of vesicles having trans membrane proteins incorporated therein, said vesicles being formed from an amphiphilic block copolymer having reactive end groups; depositing said suspension of vesicles on a surface of a porous support; and providing reaction conditions such that covalent bonds are formed between different vesicles and between vesicles and said surface.

A separation membrane (10) of the present disclosure includes: a separation functional layer (30) composed of a polyamide containing, as a monomer unit, at least one selected from the group consisting of piperazine and a piperazine derivative; and a coating (40) covering the separation functional layer (30) and containing a polymer having a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1). In the formula (1), N.sup.+ is a nitrogen atom constituting a quaternary ammonium cation, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently a substituent containing a carbon atom bonded to the nitrogen atom. ##STR00001##

A separation membrane (10) of the present disclosure includes: a separation functional layer (30) composed of a polyamide containing, as a monomer unit, at least one selected from the group consisting of piperazine and a piperazine derivative; and a coating (40) covering the separation functional layer (30) and containing a polymer having a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1). In the formula (1), N.sup.+ is a nitrogen atom constituting a quaternary ammonium cation, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently a substituent containing a carbon atom bonded to the nitrogen atom. ##STR00001##

Disclosed are compositions that may be useful for forming synthetic membranes, methods of forming membranes therefrom, and membranes. In an embodiment, a membrane comprises a free hydrophilic polymer comprising a polyoxazoline, and a polyurethane, the polyurethane comprising a backbone comprising the reaction product of a diisocyanate, a polymeric aliphatic 5 diol, and optionally a chain extender.

Disclosed are compositions that may be useful for forming synthetic membranes, methods of forming membranes therefrom, and membranes. In an embodiment, a membrane comprises a free hydrophilic polymer comprising a polyoxazoline, and a polyurethane, the polyurethane comprising a backbone comprising the reaction product of a diisocyanate, a polymeric aliphatic 5 diol, and optionally a chain extender.