Microcapillary Films As Reverse Osmosis Membrane Supports

The high and rising cost of reverse osmosis membrane support materials has prompted research on the use of microcapillary films as low cost alternatives.  In theory these extruded supports could be made easily from inexpensive polymers and would be coated with polyamide on both sides, eliminating multiple layers of a traditional membrane leaf.  In practice, however, achieving this goal is a very complex and delicate task.  The material requirements for microcapillary RO supports, two pathways for producing them, and successful lab scale methods of double-sided coating will be discussed.   An overview of the hurdles that must be overcome for microcapillary films to be viable as RO membrane supports will also be presented.