Reverse Osmosis Membrane Types
There are three major types of membranes central to reverse osmosis technology: cellulosic, fully aromatic polyamide, and thin film composite.
Cellulosic membranes first demonstrated the concept of reverse osmosis and is composed of a dense, surface layer about 0.2-0.5m thick with a thick, porous substructure. They are inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Aromatic polyamide membranes, on the other hand, have better resistance to hydrolysis and biological attacks but can be subject to membrane degradation with constant use. And lastly, thin film composites combine the best of high water flux and low solute permeability qualities that are determined by its thin surface layer.
