Characterization of Surface Properties of Thin Film Composite (TFC) Membranes under Various Loading Conditions

The performance of membranes relies on their surface characteristics which degrade due to complex loading during operation. Available studies examine surface properties under uniaxial loading, and limited, if none, are available under various loading conditions. We assess the surface integrity of thin film composite membranes under static and dynamic uniaxial and biaxial loading using contact angle, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy measurements by examining surface hydrophilicity and morphology. We demonstrate the limitations of uniaxial tests in assessing the surface properties. Damage of the polyamide layer was observed at dynamic load levels much below the expected static rupture load.