Application of track membranes in processes of direct and reverse osmosis
A method of design of polyethylene terephthalate track membranes with asymmetric (conic) pores shaped by ion-track technology was considered. The method consists of two main stages: irradiation by swift heavy ions and one-sided etching of latent tracks. The shape and dimensions of individual pores of track membranes were defined by scanning electron microscopy of surfaces and cross-sections of membranes prepared with different etching times. Based on these results, time dependencies of cone bases and apex diameters of asymmetrical pores were determined. The possibility of the membranes application for direct and reverse osmosis was determined according to the results of investigations asymmetric track membranes with conic shape pores by means of measuring of hydrophility, air and water performance. Based on the analysis of tensile strength under loading with slowly changing pressure, the maximum pressure value that the membrane could stare was determined, as well as the dependence of the strength characteristics on the samples porosity. Simulation study of osmotic processes in NaCl solution efficiency of the track membranes for the direct and reverse osmosis was demonstrated and the influence of membrane parameters on their performance and the degree of water purification was showed.