Examination methods for the physicochemical properties of synthetic membranes

Methods for the examination of the physico—chemical properties of synthetic membranes are discussed starting with the determination of membrane pore structure and organization. Subse— quently, the determination of equilibrium (e.g. water content, fixed charge concentration) and transport parameters of synthetic membranes is outlined. Using the phenomenological rela— tionships of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes, the hydrodynamic and osmotic per— meability, the reflection coefficient, and the asymptotic solute (salt) rejection can be ob— tamed from dialysis and hyperfiltration experiments. The experimental set—ups for both dia— lysis and hyperfiltration experiments are described.