Abstract:
Heterogeneous anion-exchange and cation-exchange membranes with the addition
of antimicrobial additive Sanitized BC A 21-41 (silver in the glass matrix), reinforced
with polyester fabric (AM-PES Sanitized or CM-PES Sanitized) were prepared on the
pilot lamination line in our company. Basic physical and electrochemical properties of
membranes, antimicrobial activity after long-term desalination in the electrodialysis unit
were characterized. The release of silver from antimicrobial additive into the solutions
was also determined when using atomic emission spectroscopy. Prepared membranes
modified with antimicrobial additive have shown the improved antimicrobial properties
over commercial membranes Ralex® in terms of the print on agar plates and the
determination of inhibition zones for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Sanitized additive was not washed out from the membranes even after long-term
electrodialysis tests. In addition, the prepared membranes have exhibited lower areal
resistance due to the reduced thickness in the dry and swollen state, thus contributing
to the reduction of energy needed for electrodialysis.
