Surface modification of polyamide RO membrane for improved fouling resistance

This study investigates how surface modification of RO membranes enhances resistance to fouling. The standard mechanisms of membrane fouling are extended to identify RO pretreatment processes. The degree of fouling resistance of modified RO membranes are studied with respect to the modified fouling index (MFI). According to the definition of the MFI, the higher the MFI value of an RO membrane indicate the greater the fouling resistance.