Effects of woven fabric embedment on thin film composite membranes for osmotically driven membrane processes (ODMPs)

• Main Author: Teo, Shino Yu Qin
• Other Authors: She Qianhong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering; Osmotically driven membrane processes; Thin-film composite (TFC) membrane
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/176384
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Osmotically driven membrane processes (ODMPs) have drawn a lot of attention in recent years due to their potential applications in water purification, desalination and energy generation. ODMPs are encompassed by Forward Osmosis(FO), Pressure Assisted Osmosis (PAO) and Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO). Among these, PRO is known for its renewable energy generation through osmotic gradients in recent years, with thin film composite membrane (TFC) playing a crucial role in its efficiency. While the technology itself shows potential, further advancement in ODMP membrane development is necessary to fully harness its power production capabilities. Specifically, PRO membranes must possess high mechanical strength to withstand the elevated hydraulic pressure experienced on the draw side of the membrane. This study investigates the effect of woven fabric embedded on TFC membrane performance for ODMP applications. Through a series of fabrication techniques and experiments, including Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM), Tensile Test, Reverse Osmosis(RO), Forward Osmosis(FO) and filtration tests, we evaluate the influence of woven fabric on membrane properties. Results indicated that the presence of fabric embedded into the membrane brings about a huge increase in its mechanical strength, which is a critical attribute for ODMPs, especially for PRO. However, with good mechanical strength, it brings about a trade-off in its water flux due to the increase in structural parameter(S), leading to more severe Interfacial Polymerization (IP). This study highlights the potential of woven fabric to enhance TFC membrane performances in ODMPs, paving the way for more efficient water and energy generation technologies.