Reducing fouling of RO membranes by redox-initiated graft polymerization

S. Belfer, Y. Purinson, O. Kedem

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

In previous publications [1,2] we described a simple method for surface modifcation of commerical composite polyamide RO membranes and characterized the modified membranes thoroughly. The, procedure involves radical grafting with a redox system consisting of potassium persulfate/sodium methabisulfite in an aqueous solution at room temperature. Three membranes, BW-30, SW-30 and CPA-2, were modified and the products were then subjected to ATR-FTIR. The ATR-FTIR technique was particularly valuable in providing information about degree of grafting and the microstructure of grated chains. Both acrylic and sulfo-acidic monomers and neutral monomers such as polyethylene glycol methacrylate were used to demonstrate the wide possibilities of the method in terms of grafting of different monomers and initiators. It was shown that some of the modified membranes conserved their previous operating characteristics, flux, or rejection, but exhibited a higher resistance to humic acid.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)189
Number of pages1
JournalDesalination
Volume119
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 Sep 1998
EventProceedings of the 1998 Conference on Membranes in Drinking and Industrial Water Production. Part 2 (of 3) - Amsterdam, Neth
Duration: 21 Sep 199824 Sep 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering

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