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

A major limitation for the wider use of membrane-based technologies is the presence of biofouling, which is related to the decline of permeate flux, as well as the associated energy and economic costs for the necessary cleaning. In this work, the interactions and compatibility of 28 common polymeric materials with 36 potential biofoulants (categorized in six groups) is examined, based on Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs). Also, a simple methodology is proposed for polymer screening and comparing the suitability of 28 polymers to be used as fabrication materials or coatings, aiming to produce membranes with lower biofouling potential. The methodology gives a score to each polymer based on its interaction with water and various foulants. The screening among the commonly used polymers showed that poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) is a good selection for the manufacturing of membranes, or for effective surface coating to limit biofouling, when compared to the other candidate polymers. The case of PVOH material received the highest score (11.6), while other polymers ranked with lower scores (less than 10). Its physically cross-linked nature that arises from a strong self-association pattern may also be beneficial for biofouling mitigation, since it limits the available sites for interactions (e.g., through hydrogen bonds) with the potential foulant agents. Swelling experiments on the PVOH gels with real wastewater (produced after anaerobic digestion) support the predictions for lowering the biofouling potential.