Characterisation of the solvent stability of polymeric nanofiltration membranes by measurement of contact angles and swelling

This communication describes contact angle and swelling measurements for different (commercially available) polymeric nanofiltration membranes. Contact angle measurements and surface tension calculations on new and solvent-treated membranes confirm that organic solvents change the hydrophilicity of polymeric membrane surfaces, leading to different water permeability before and after solvent treatment. Swelling measurements confirm the assumption that a reorganisation of the membrane material takes place, leading to differences in porosity and changes in rejection. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.