Influence of Deposition of a Zeolite Layer on Mechanical Properties of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane by Using a Tissue Tester
Mentor 1
Marcia R. Silva, Ph.D.
Location
Union 260
Start Date
28-4-2017 12:40 PM
Description
One of the most common water technologies used to produce high-quality clean water from unusable water sources in commercial and residential water filtration. Biofouling is a critical issue in membrane technology - for both water and wastewater treatment - as it can greatly impact the overall efficiency of the treatment processes. Biofouling is difficult to control, and significant economic resources have been dedicated to the development of effective biofouling monitoring and control strategies. Deposition of a zeolite layer onto RO membrane does reduce biofouling issues as zeolite is known for its anti-biofouling properties. However, there is need for investigation whether or not the tensile strength of the RO membrane will change with this modification. In this study, we will utilize a tissue tester for evaluation of the tensile strength of the membranes. Tissue testing equipment has historically been applied in the medical and biological fields of research. This project seeks to explore how the technology can be applied to membranes for water filtration. If successful, it can bring advantages over traditional tensiometers as analysis software allows images to be analyzed to identify and quantify strain non-uniformities and regional property variations. A mechanical profile will be developed for a control (unmodified) membranes and modified membrane: zeolite coated RO membrane. Expected outcomes of this project include a comprehensive study of mechanical properties of both unmodified and zeolite coated membrane.
Influence of Deposition of a Zeolite Layer on Mechanical Properties of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane by Using a Tissue Tester
Union 260
One of the most common water technologies used to produce high-quality clean water from unusable water sources in commercial and residential water filtration. Biofouling is a critical issue in membrane technology - for both water and wastewater treatment - as it can greatly impact the overall efficiency of the treatment processes. Biofouling is difficult to control, and significant economic resources have been dedicated to the development of effective biofouling monitoring and control strategies. Deposition of a zeolite layer onto RO membrane does reduce biofouling issues as zeolite is known for its anti-biofouling properties. However, there is need for investigation whether or not the tensile strength of the RO membrane will change with this modification. In this study, we will utilize a tissue tester for evaluation of the tensile strength of the membranes. Tissue testing equipment has historically been applied in the medical and biological fields of research. This project seeks to explore how the technology can be applied to membranes for water filtration. If successful, it can bring advantages over traditional tensiometers as analysis software allows images to be analyzed to identify and quantify strain non-uniformities and regional property variations. A mechanical profile will be developed for a control (unmodified) membranes and modified membrane: zeolite coated RO membrane. Expected outcomes of this project include a comprehensive study of mechanical properties of both unmodified and zeolite coated membrane.
