Abstract
In this work, the existing Higuchi models were used for the prediction of gas permeability through the nanocomposite membranes. Predicted values were compared with experimental results of permeability for polycarbonate/silica nanocomposite membranes. Based on the critical analysis of the models predictions and its deviations, the parameter that influences the permeation behavior has been identified. The results revealed that for any particular gas, the change of empirical Higuchi parameter exhibited a direct impact on the accuracy the model. Thus, a modified parameter was incorporated on the modified Higuchi model relating to the intrinsic properties of the penetrant gas. With the new proposed Higuchi model, appreciable predictions of gas permeability through polycarbonate/silica nanocomposite membranes were achieved. The calculated absolute average relative error for CO2, N-2 and CH4 gas permeability were found to be 7.18%, 6.07%, and 6.14%, respectively. Their corresponding standard deviations were obtained as 2.53, 1.53 and 0.73 Comparing the existing Higuchi models predictions, the new proposed Higuchi model has resulted to a reduction in relative errors by 6.3% for CO2, 70.66% for N-2, and 65.25% for CH4. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.