Title: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis of cleaned and fouled nanofiltration membranes

Authors: A. Al-amoudi, C. Wright, P. Williams, R.W. Lovitt, A. Al-Hobiab

Addresses: Centre for Complex Fluids Processing, Multidisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre, School of Engineering, University of Wales Swansea, SA2 8PP UK. ' Centre for Complex Fluids Processing, Multidisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre, School of Engineering, University of Wales Swansea, SA2 8PP UK. ' Centre for Complex Fluids Processing, Multidisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre, School of Engineering, University of Wales Swansea, SA2 8PP UK. ' Centre for Complex Fluids Processing, Multidisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre, School of Engineering, University of Wales Swansea, SA2 8PP UK. ' Institute of Atomic Energy Research, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, P.O. Box 6086 Riyadh 11442, KSA

Abstract: In membrane process industries, membrane cleaning is one of the most important concerns from both economical and scientific points of view. Surfaces roughness and phase angle of virgin and fouled membranes were measured and compared before and after chemical cleaning by using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Correlations between the data obtained by this technique (AFM) with the flux and rejection have also been discussed.

Keywords: nanofiltration membranes; fouling; cleaning agents; cleaning efficiency; phase angle; atomic force microscopy; AFM; membrane cleaning; surface roughness.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNBM.2009.027700

International Journal of Nano and Biomaterials, 2009 Vol.2 No.1/2/3/4/5, pp.82 - 90

Published online: 08 Aug 2009 *

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