Dataset for "3D Printed composite membranes with enhanced anti-fouling behaviour”

Data collection method:

The PES selective layer was prepared by first dissolving 15 wt. % of granular PES in 85 wt. % DMAc at room temperature. The mixture was stirred using a roller mixer (SRT6D, Stuart Equipment) at 60 rpm for 48 hours until the PES was completely dissolved, resulting in a yellowish transparent solution. The polymer solution was left for at least 24 hours to release any air bubbles generated during mixing. Phase inversion was used to fabricate the selective layer by casting the polymer solution directly onto a clean glass plate using a casting knife with a gap height of 50 µm at approximately 30% relative humidity and room temperature (19 – 21 ͦ C). The glass plate with the cast film was immediately immersed in a coagulation bath of deionised water at room temperature to initiate the phase separation process. To remove any traces of DMAc, the membrane was then kept/stored in water for at least 3 days with the fresh water replaced every 24 hours. Fig. 2 in the manuscript summarises the procedure that has been used to prepare the wavy 3D composite membranes. An example of a 3D wavy support is shown in Fig 2a. A piece of PES selective layer with dimensions 7 × 7 cm was cut (Fig. 2b) after checking with a backlit LED light box to identify any damage or holes. An undamaged film was then placed over the 3D support and 250 mbar vacuum pressure (without water) was applied for 1 minute to adhere the selective layer over the 3D support. Then, vacuum filtration with pure water was applied for 30 minutes to increase adherence and stability of the selective layer over the 3D support (Fig. 2c), resulting in a wavy composite membrane (Fig. 2d). The same procedure was followed to make flat 3D composite membranes.

Technical details and requirements:

The instruments used included a scanning electron microscope, a digital microscope (VHX – 6000, Japan), a cross flow rig, 3D polyjet and casting machine. The software used included OpenScad, Autodesk Inventor Professional 2016, and Labview.

Methodology link: