Alginic acid-silica hydrogel coatings for the protection of ssmotic distillation membranes against wet-out by surface-active agents

Alginic acid-silica hydrogel films was prepared for testing as protective coating materials for PTFE OD membranes. Unprotected hydrophobic membranes are subject to wet-out when contacted by surface-active agents. Films were characterised using SEM, XRD, DSC, mechanical strength measurements, and water-swelling measurements. In OD trials using coated membranes, no wet-out occurred over the 15 h duration of three consecutive 5 h OD trials using orange oil-water mixtures. In the case of detergent solutions, the coating afforded protection to the membrane for 4-5 h. In a separate trial, no wet-out occurred when the coated side of the membrane was placed in contact with 1.2 wt % orange oil for 72 hours.