Polymer Screening for Proper Selection of Membrane Manufacturing Material with Decreased Biofouling Capacity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Biofouling significantly hinders membrane technology performance, increasing operational costs and reducing efficiency.
• Developing strategies to mitigate biofouling is crucial for the wider adoption of membrane-based separation processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the compatibility of 28 common polymeric materials with 36 potential biofoulants using Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs).
• To propose a screening methodology for identifying polymers with reduced biofouling potential for membrane fabrication or coatings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs) to assess interactions between 28 polymers and 36 biofoulants.
• Developed a scoring system to rank polymer suitability based on interactions with water and foulants.
• Conducted swelling experiments with poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) gels using real wastewater.

Main Results:

• Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) demonstrated the highest score (11.6), indicating superior performance in mitigating biofouling compared to other polymers.
• PVOH's self-associating, physically cross-linked structure limits interaction sites, potentially reducing foulant adhesion.
• Swelling tests confirmed PVOH's potential for lowering biofouling in real wastewater applications.

Conclusions:

• Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) is a promising material for manufacturing low-biofouling membranes or as an effective surface coating.
• The proposed HSP-based screening methodology provides a valuable tool for selecting anti-biofouling membrane materials.
• Further research into PVOH's properties can lead to more efficient and cost-effective membrane technologies.