Polymeric alternatives to Teflon for membrane stripping

Abstract

Membranes were manufactured using a novel plasma sputtering technique that rendered the surface hydrophobic. These membranes are cost effective compared to Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE) and allow for a greater selection of membrane alternatives. The nylon substrates used here were surface treated for 30 minutes at a power rating of 100 W to achieve an optimal surface contact angle of 151° and a surface fluorine concentration of 40 %. Reductions in surface oxygen and carbon levels of the treated membranes suggested surface masking of the substrate, typical of sputtered surfaces. The breakthrough pressure of the membranes was found to be independent of the surface properties and was o..