CHEMICAL-COMPOSITION OF THIN-FILM COMPOSITE REVERSE-OSMOSIS MEMBRANES MADE FROM POLY-2-VINYLIMIDAZOLINE

Model compound studies which were directed at obtaining insight into the chemical composition of novel thin-film composite reverse osmosis membranes are reviewed. Membranes were prepared from copolymeric poly-2-vinylimidazoline precursors and crosslinked with 3-(chlorosulphonyl) benzoyl chloride. Model compounds of the copolymeric precursor were prepared and the products of their reactions with benzoyl chloride and benzenesulphonic acid chloride, under conditions similar to these which prevail during interfacial polycondensation reactions, were analyzed. From the results, predictions were made as to the chemical composition of the membrane. The reactivities of the membrane's model compounds, under conditions which often prevail during the operation of membranes (e.g. high and low pH), were also studied.